Why the RB17 Demonstrates Adrian Newey’s True Genius in Designing an F1-Like Car

After spending years in development, Adrian Newey‘s masterpiece saw the dawn of light. Red Bull launched their highly anticipated hypercar RB17. Leaving the Aston Martin Valkyrie miles behind, the RB17 is now the new talk of the town. The team of engineers from Red Bull Advanced Technologies, led by Adrian Newey himself, brought the design to life. This $6.48 million machine was revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Sussex. With great anticipation, Newey’s project aims to deliver an F1-like lap time on the racing tracks.

Red Bull will manufacture only fifty such hypercars. Followed by a series of add-ons for the buyers. Moreover, this was the technical genius’ dream project. And a perfect way to end his journey with Red Bull. The team principal who was also present at the event stated: “Combining technical innovation, achievement and emotional appeal, the RB17 is a landmark car.” The hypercar that has room for two people looks competitive even without being launched in any race. And so, one can say RB17 is like the ‘eighth wonder’ of the world at this point.

Adrian Newey’s brainchild is an amazing synergy of genius and art

Adrian Newey has poured all the content of his vast knowledge of design and aerodynamics into the making of the RB17. The hypercar is powered by a Red Bull spec. Cosworth-made 1,000bhp 4.5-litre V10 that can rev to 15,000rpm, fostered by a 200bhp e-motor. The target weight is under 900kg. A carbon-fiber gearbox will power the rear wheels. The RB17 aims to deliver F1-equivalent lap time and an astounding top speed of around 217 mph. Nevertheless, this hypercar is large and impressive with a dimension of over five meters long and two meters wide. The side pods are a striking detail that defines more of what is missing than what is present. Abundant open spaces suggest efficient management of airflow to important areas.

Moreover, the machine exudes a sense of purpose even at rest. One can imagine it sweeping up turbulent air around the front wheel arches. The airflow then channels under the car and into a sophisticated floor and tunnel system. Inside, two fans transform this energized air into aerodynamic efficiency. Additionally, a full-width rear wing extracts air from the diffuser, further optimizing performance. The chassis, made of carbon composite, incorporates active suspension, a technology banned in F1 since 1994.

Meanwhile, the launch of Red Bull‘s hypercar has given a level of power into the hands of the maestro – Adrian Newey. The utmost goal is to deliver F1-like lap times and an insane level of driving engagement around renowned circuits across the globe. Above all, RB17 has room for two!

However, RB17’s incredible capability does not solely credit precise control over vehicle dynamics. All the credit must go to Newey. If it weren’t for his mastermind, the hypercar wouldn’t have been born in the first place. However, there is a rather delightful story behind the making of the beast hypercar. How did the most trivial disappointment lead to the creation of RB17?

The story of the epicenter of Red Bull’s RB17’s creation

Adrian Newey’s new creation has a precursor. Remember when Newey designed Red Bull X1 for Gran Turismo 5 and 6 back in 2010? Yes, that’s when he planted the seed. Adrian told TOPGEAR.com: “It was a fantasy car. It didn’t have any CFD (computational fluid dynamics) or internal work. It was the first sketch that got turned into a styling model for a computer game.” He further added, “But it had the basic thought behind it, and it’s been gently ticking away in the back of my mind since then.”

But the actual bulb of the idea lit in his mind in the Christmas of 2019. Exasperated by the lack of snow at a ski break, he began drawing a hypercar! Perhaps the aesthetics of his ambiance played a major role in inspiring him. “It’s my belief that cars at this level should be something you can treat as a piece of art or sculpture,” Newey explained. Moreover, this RB17 project was his last dance with Red Bull. He has been associated with the company/team for two decades. And by the looks of the hypercar, one can tell – it reeks of Adrian Newey’s genius.

This hypercar will stand as a covenant for the mastermind named Adrian Newey. His unparalleled grip over technical aspects and artistic visions reflect beautifully on the RB17. From its inception rooted in a virtual concept to its realization as a cutting-edge hypercar, every detail reflects Newey’s dedication and innovation. And now, the journey of the hypercar on the fast-paced tracks awaits. What do you think the Red Bull RB17 will be like in its domain? Let us know in the comments below.