2025 Red Bull RB17 hypercar set for Goodwood debut
Bespoke track weapon could be a chance to take on the iconic hill climb course in pre-production formRed Bull Racing has confirmed the reveal date for its track-only hypercar, the long-awaited RB17, which will make its world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed over July 11-14.
Designed and largely developed by RBR’s Chief Technical Officer, Adrian Newey – who will depart Red Bull Racing in early 2025 – the 2025 Red Bull RB17 was first announced back in 2022.
Back then RBR said just 50 examples would be made – each priced at an expected $US6.3 million ($A9.57m) – and the initial expectation was that an electrified twin-turbo V8 would be the star of the show.
Newey has since revealed the bespoke speed machine will actually be powered by an electrified naturally-aspirated V10 capable of revving to 15,000rpm and delivering roughly 746kW in the process – before the 147kW electric motor chimes in.
Red Bull’s legendary chief engineer said the switch to a screaming V10 was made to raise the aural stakes and to try and rekindle the emotional experience of Formula 1’s monstrous V10 era.
The hard-core two-seat RB17 will apparently be more occupant-friendly than the Aston Martin Valkyrie – which Newey also worked on – thanks to a bigger cabin that will be more accommodating for taller folk.
One of the key focal points of the project was to develop a car that’s not too intimidating to drive for those new to the world of track work or ultra-high-performance vehicles.
However, Newey likened the experience to riding a modern superbike for the first time. “You need to have your wits about you – there’s a little tingle of excitement and perhaps nervousness before you jump on it,” he said.
“And we wanted this to be the same – there’ a trepidation almost, because it’s so fast,” he said in the lead-up to revealing there will be a level of driver training included in the multi-million-dollar package.
In the hands of a professional, however, the RB17 is expected to be capable of delivering F1 lap times, which bodes well for spectators if the slippery missile does debut at Goodwood and take on the famous hill climb course.
In a statement issued this week confirming his departure from Red Bull Racing, Newey said he would be dedicating the rest of his tenure at RBR to completing the RB17’s development and watching it go to market.
“The final stages of development of RB17 are upon us,” said the pioneering race engineer, who will leave RBR early next year after 18 years and 13 championships.
“So for the remainder of my time with the team, my focus will lie there.”
Red Bull confirmed Newey’s completion of the RB17, saying; “Adrian will focus on final development and delivery of Red Bull’s first hypercar, his highly anticipated RB17 set to be unveiled at Goodwood in July.”
Related: Red Bull announces its own RB17 hypercar
Related: First Aston Martin Valkyrie rolls off the line
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