The Red Bull RB17 represents one of the purest attempts yet to move Formula One thinking from the pit lane to public asphalt. Its creator, Adrian Newey , applied decades of top-level single-seater engineering to a two-seat machine that ignores comfort trends and focuses almost entirely on performance and driver feedback. Now working with Aston Martin F1 Team , Newey treated the RB17 as a technical statement rather than a halo product.
At its core sits a naturally aspirated 4.5-liter V10 developed with Cosworth , producing 1,000 horsepower and revving to an astonishing 15,000 RPM. An additional electric motor contributes 200 horsepower, filling torque gaps during upshifts and sharpening throttle response rather than chasing hybrid efficiency. With a total weight under 2,000 pounds, the power-to-weight ratio places the RB17 closer to a modern F1 car than to any road-legal hypercar.
The drivetrain is housed in a two-seat carbon fiber monocoque designed to 24 Hours of Le Mans prototype crash standards. Aerodynamics dominate the exterior. The production bodywork has been slightly reduced in size compared to early concepts, gaining a revised front end, a prominent engine-cover fin, and the unavoidable road-legal elements like mirrors and a windshield wiper. Downforce remains the priority, with surfaces shaped to generate grip rather than visual drama.
Inside, the cockpit mirrors a race car more than a luxury vehicle. Controls are tactile and purposeful, with an F1-inspired layout that puts essential inputs directly in the driver’s hands. Entry is through front-hinged butterfly doors, reinforcing the RB17’s prototype character rather than offering convenience.
Only 50 examples will be built, with production scheduled to begin in 2027. Ownership extends beyond the car itself. Each RB17 includes comprehensive maintenance support and access to private track events, positioning the hypercar as an ongoing program rather than a one-time purchase.
