If you eat, breathe and live anything Formula 1, Adrian Newey is a man who needs no introduction. Widely regarded as the greatest Formula 1 guru of the modern era, Newey’s creations have powered multiple championship-winning teams. From Williams and McLaren to Red Bull Racing, his cars have dominated Grand Prix racing for over three decades. Now, the legendary engineer’s final project for Red Bull Advanced Technologies is stepping into the spotlight once again — the extraordinary RB17 hypercar, which has made its first-ever public appearance at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Unveiled in 2024, the RB17 is effectively a Formula 1 car freed from the constraints of the FIA rulebook. Conceived as an uncompromising track-only hypercar, it is powered by a 4.5-litre nat-asp Cosworth V10 that screams all the way to 15000 rpm. Paired with a compact hybrid system, the powertrain produces a combined 1184 bhp, all of which is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. Flat out, the RB17 is capable of reaching 349 kph.
Since its first unveiling two years ago, the RB17 has undergone extensive aerodynamic and design refinements. While the overall footprint has been reduced slightly, it still occupies roughly the same road space as a previous-gen F1 car. The dorsal fin running along the engine cover has been reshaped to improve high-speed stability, while the double-deck front splitter, sculpted rear wing and intricate multi-layer diffuser have all been further optimised. Numerous additional vents have also been incorporated into the front and rear wings, sidepods and the enlarged roof-mounted snorkel intake to improve cooling and airflow management. Even the exhaust outlets have been repositioned higher up the car’s spine, exiting just beneath the snorkel.
Like the Aston Martin Valkyrie, which is also a Newey product, the RB17 relies heavily on ground-effect aerodynamics to generate enormous levels of downforce. At maximum attack, the RB17 is capable of generating an astonishing 1700 kg of downforce — almost twice its target kerb weight of under 900 kg. Buyers will also be able to choose between 18-inch carbonfibre wheels fitted with bespoke Michelin slick tyres or 20-inch wheels wrapped in more sane tyres.
Despite its otherworldly performance, the RB17 has been designed with usability in mind. It can accommodate two occupants and even features practical additions such as headlights, windscreen wipers and rear-view mirrors. Limited to just 50 units, it will come with a dedicated support engineer, expert driving coach and full-time trackside assistance for the lucky few who will buy one.
Red Bull has yet to confirm a final price, although the company previously suggested a figure of around £5 million (Rs 65 crore in the UK, before taxes), making the RB17 roughly twice as expensive as an Aston Martin Valkyrie. For those wanting to take the ultimate Newey creation beyond the racetrack, British engineering specialist Lanzante is expected to offer a road-legal conversion at additional cost. Yikes.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when Adrian Newey is handed a blank sheet of paper instead of a Formula 1 rulebook, the RB17 is the answer.
