Christian Horner Gives Update On Red Bull's RB17 Sportscar Designed By Adrian Newey

Red Bull chief Christian Horner has given an update on the Red Bull track sportscar, the RB17.

In a recent interview with Sky Sports' Craig Slater, Red Bull Racing CEO Christian Horner provided insights into the RB17, the first track sportscar from Red Bull, designed by Adrian Newey. Horner also highlighted Newey's pivotal role in the team and the evolution of his contributions over the past 18 years.

Key Takeaways:

• Adrian Newey's Role and the RB17 Design: Horner emphasises Adrian Newey's significant influence on the team and his role in mentoring the technical team. Newey, known for his Formula 1 success, has now channelled his expertise into designing the RB17, Red Bull's inaugural track sportscar, set to be unveiled in 2024.
• RB17 Specifications and Production: Red Bull Advanced Technologies (RBAT) is developing a 1250bhp V8 hypercar with minimal design compromises, primarily for track-day use. Horner mentioned the possibility of making this closed-roof vehicle road legal. The production is limited to 50 units, with most already reserved.
• Background and Evolution of the RB17 Project: The RB17 project, initially codenamed 'Eta', marks a significant step in Red Bull's automotive journey, following the Aston Martin Valkyrie. Horner discussed the genesis of the RB17, tracing back to Newey's initial interest in designing a Red Bull car in 2014 and the subsequent collaboration with Aston Martin on the Valkyrie.

In his interview, Christian Horner spoke about how important Adrian Newey is to the Austrian team as well as giving an update on the progress of the RB17. He stated:

"Adrian has played a key role in the team over the years and that role has evolved over the last 18 years.

"What is great, as well, is that we have such great strength in depth in our technical team. Adrian with his wealth of experience is able to mentor and develop that team - as well as designing the RB17 our first ever track sportscar which will be unveiled in 2024."

The RB17, a project with a deep connection to Formula 1, is a testament to Newey's design expertise and RBAT's advanced technological capabilities. Horner described the vehicle as “Adrian Newey unleashed," a phrase capturing the unrestricted creativity Newey employed, free from the constraints of sporting regulations or road car legislation.

Horner also shed light on the project's background during a previous interview with Autocar, noting the Valkyrie's influence on the RB17's conception. He said:

“Valkyrie is a stunning vehicle and I’m sure it will be a great success, but you’re always learning, whether in Formula 1 or on the advanced technologies side.

"[RBAT] has now existed for close to eight years and there’s an awful lot of knowledge that has been built up in that time.

"With the budget cap era [in F1], if you want to retain resources there have to be projects that can justify their existence. This is a perfect project utilizing the skill sets that we have, so it will complement our Formula 1 activities rather than distract from them.”