Red Bull, renowned for dominating the Formula 1 circuits and energizing the world with its iconic energy drinks, is set to make a groundbreaking entry into the realm of road car manufacturing. The much-anticipated RB17 hypercar, born out of the genius mind of Formula 1’s most successful car designer, Adrian Newey, is poised to redefine the limits of high-performance driving. In a recent interview with one source, Christian Horner, the CEO of Red Bull Racing, tantalizingly hinted at the possibility of Red Bull becoming a significant player in the road car industry.
The RB17, a manifestation of Newey’s unrestrained creativity, stands as Red Bull Advanced Technologies’ (RBAT) first foray into production cars. This ambitious hypercar project, with a staggering price tag of £5 million, is not merely a machine; it’s a statement that Red Bull is ready to bring its winning formula to the streets. Horner, in his conversation with a source, confirmed the imminent debut of the RB17, scheduled for 2024, further fueling the excitement of automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
Designed with a focus on track-day exhilaration, the RB17 boasts a 1250bhp V8 powerhouse that encapsulates the essence of Formula 1 performance. Horner, describing it as “Adrian Newey unleashed,” hinted at the hypercar being a limited-edition masterpiece. With only 50 units set for production at a rate of 15 per year, the exclusivity and rarity of the RB17 add to its allure. Notably, a significant portion of these hypercars has already found their buyers, underscoring the anticipation and demand surrounding Red Bull’s entry into the road car arena.
Origin and Evolution: From Valkyrie to RB17
The origin of RB17 dates back to 2014 when Adrian Newey harbored the ambition to craft a car without the constraints imposed by sporting or road car regulations. The collaboration with Aston Martin on the Valkyrie project paved the way for RBAT to accumulate eight years of invaluable knowledge, setting the stage for the RB17 as the culmination of Formula 1-inspired engineering and cutting-edge technology.
In a conversation with another source, Horner offered a cryptic yet intriguing response when asked about Red Bull’s road car ambitions. He stated, “It’s the start of a journey. It’s an interesting starting point for us. You can never say ‘never’, but certainly this is a halo project for us.” The choice of words sparks curiosity and raises the question: Is Red Bull gearing up to transition from dominating racetracks to revolutionizing the roads?
Christian Horner was asked if Red Bull will become full-fledged road car manufacturers in the future with RB17 being the first step
His reply: “It’s the start of a journey. It’s an interesting starting point for us. You can never say ‘never’, but certainly this is a halo… pic.twitter.com/LahWzPYzVm
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) January 9, 2024
F1 Influence: Formula 1 Features in RB17
As the RB17 emerges as a technological marvel, questions arise about the incorporation of Formula 1-like features. Rob Gray, the technical director of Red Bull Advanced Technologies, hinted at the alignment of design principles between the RB17 and Red Bull’s Formula 1 car. While shedding light on the engineering aspects, Gray emphasized the capability to build the core of the car in-house, revealing the intent to keep production volumes low and exclusive.
Adrian Newey, in subsequent interviews, delved into some of the innovative features integrated into the RB17. The hypercar is set to feature flexible skirts, large ground effect tunnels, active suspension, and exhaust blowing – a repertoire of tricks learned from the demanding world of Formula 1.
Red Bull’s Metamorphosis Beyond Formula 1
The RB17’s imminent arrival signals not only a remarkable addition to the world of hypercars but also a potential shift in Red Bull’s identity. Could this hypercar be the catalyst for Red Bull’s metamorphosis into a prominent road car manufacturer? The journey has just begun, and as the RB17 prepares to hit the roads and tracks, it carries with it the promise of a thrilling and dynamic future for Red Bull beyond the familiar realms of Formula 1.
