It's a moment in motorsport history that feels simultaneously like a grand finale and the dawn of a new chapter. Adrian Newey, the brain behind some of the most successful Formula 1 cars in recent history, is setting the stage for his departure from Red Bull Racing. Yet, before he takes his final bow, Newey gifts the world with his magnum opus - the RB17 hypercar.
This announcement comes after an impressive tenure at Red Bull Racing, dominating the tracks with 13 world titles under their belt, thanks to Newey's genius. His decision to leave in the first quarter of 2025 has stirred the waters but not before ensuring his legacy with the RB17.
For nearly two decades, Newey’s unparalleled design philosophy transformed Red Bull Racing from contenders to champions. His vision, rooted in innovation and efficiency, reshaped modern racing. The culmination of this journey, the RB17, is more than a car; it's a testament to Newey's relentless pursuit of perfection.
- Newey bids farewell to Red Bull Racing after a championship-filled 19-year stint.
- The hypercar RB17 stands as his final project, embodying a hybrid engine marvel priced at a cool $6.4 million.
The RB17 isn't just any hypercar; it's a beacon of innovation. A hybrid powertrain at its core, it promises an exhilarating speed with an air-spring valve V10 engine capable of reaching 15,000 RPM. The addition of a 200 hp electric motor not only complements its raw power during gear shifts but ingeniously doubles as the reverse gear, showcasing Newey's attention to detail and innovation.
The Hypercar's Performance and Exclusivity
But power is just one piece of the puzzle. Newey's design prowess shines in the RB17's aerodynamics and lightweight architecture. Weighing in at less than 900 kg and equipped with aerodynamic elements designed to exert up to 1.7 tons of downforce, the RB17 is engineered to rival the lap times of F1 cars. This feat, should it be achieved, will mark a monumental moment in automotive history, blurring the lines between hypercars and top-tier racing machines.
With production limited to a mere 50 units, each priced at £5 million, the RB17 is as exclusive as it is revolutionary. Prospective owners and motorsport enthusiasts eagerly await its debut this summer, with track testing scheduled for the start of 2025.
As Newey transitions from his role at Red Bull Racing, his impact on the team and the world of Formula 1 remains indelible. Under his guidance, Red Bull Racing emerged as a dominant force, securing 7 driver’s titles, 6 constructor’s titles, and 118 race victories. Newey's legacy transcends his titles; his visionary designs and engineering breakthroughs have left an indelible mark on motorsport history.