Red Bull’s latest creation and Adrian Newey‘s brainchild, the RB17 hypercar, is a revolutionary machine. Launched at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, this is Newey’s last project with the Austrian outfit. But there is more to the story. The manufacturers will build only fifty such cars. Followed by a host of add-ons for the buyers. Moreover, the RB17 will bring Red Bull closer to their dream of participating in 24H Le Mans. This means Max Verstappen could get rid of his boredom from winning too many F1 races.

Verstappen had previously expressed his desire to switch lanes from F1 to Le Mans and the World Endurance Championship. Adrian Newey’s recent statements all hint at the potential entry of Red Bull in the motorsport categories that demand a hypercar. With a few modifications, the RB17 would be good to go. The RB17 (inspired by an F1 car) targets a speed of 215 mph. Above all, it aims to deliver a lap time similar to that of F1 cars. This means if RB17 steps into the arena of Circuit de la Sarthe it will prove to be the fastest.

Adrian Newey: “The third evolution will be quite a step on from this car [RB17 displayed at FOS]. It’s fantastic that everybody thinks that this is such a great car. I look at it, and think ‘I know actually that it is going to be better than that’.” Here, Newey hinted at a ‘third evolution’ or third modification/update that will only make the car more fantastic than it already is! These ‘golden’ words would give hope to Christian Horner and Co., as they’ll be one step closer to Le Mans and the WEC.

Furthermore, Adrian Newey’s $6.4 million dream project would be another gateway to Red Bull’s dominance beyond F1. And if Max Verstappen races the RB17 at Le Mans, expect the Dutch anthem to play on the circuit!

Adrian Newey’s RB17 is the ‘eighth wonder’ of the world

The specs of the new hypercar are enough to make motorsport enthusiasts gawk at its beauty. Unlike the slick structure of F1 cars, the RB17 is pretty huge- 5m long and 2m wide. Giving space for two people to fit, the hypercar is as promising as ever. With a V8 engine and carbon-fiber gearbox, the machine is meant to be a beast on the track. Even Christian Horner [Red Bull team principal] couldn’t contain his joy at the sight of the ‘eighth wonder’ and stated: “Combining technical innovation, achievement, and emotional appeal, the RB17 is a landmark car.” 

What’s even more interesting is the fact that the design popped into Newey’s mind after he designed the Red Bull X1 for Gran Turismo 5 and 6 back in 2010. Since then, this hypercar has occupied a major part of the aero wizard’s mind. However, the design came into existence only at Christmas of 2019. And after years of being in development, the RB17 is out. And it has Adrian Newey written all over it! The maestro’s final masterstroke holds his planet-sized knowledge of engineering and aerodynamics blended with the aesthetics of art.

The RB17 isn’t just another hypercar—it’s a bold statement of Red Bull’s ambitions beyond Formula 1. With Adrian Newey’s exit from the team after 20 years of mutual efforts, the team is surely losing its gem. But this parting gift from the genius could be equivalent to Newey’s extra 10-15 years with the team. RB17 is in a league of its own. This hypercar could be Max Verstappen‘s outlet for Le Mans—a dream he wishes to chase when F1 wears him out.

Will the RB17 hypercar be successful at Le Mans? Share your thoughts in the comments.