The official Red Bull Racing channel recently released a new episode of Talking Bull, featuring an in-depth interview with former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard focused on the RB17, the highly anticipated hypercar designed by legendary aerodynamicist Adrian Newey. According to the Scottish former driver, early simulations suggest breathtaking performance: on track with slick tires, the prototype could even outperform a modern Formula 1 car.
Record-breaking potential
During the conversation, David Coulthard shared insights from a virtual test on the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit. According to his account, the RB17 recorded a lap time of 1 minute and 38 seconds — a benchmark capable of surpassing the lap times of current F1 machinery. “In the virtual world, it’s faster than a Formula 1 car… at Spa it did a 1’38, something like that. Incredibly fast,” he explained, highlighting the extreme performance potential of the Newey project.
A project signed by Newey
The RB17 will be produced in a very limited run of just 50 units, each with a price tag of 5 million euros. The car’s design focuses heavily on advanced aerodynamics and extreme lightness, with a total weight below 900 kilograms. It features a naturally aspirated V10 engine delivering an astonishing 1,200 horsepower, capable of reaching 15,000 revolutions per minute, paired with an electric motor to enhance performance and responsiveness.
The RB17 represents Adrian Newey’s ultimate vision for a track-focused hypercar, free from regulatory constraints and designed to maximize both aerodynamic efficiency and raw power. Coulthard did not hide his enthusiasm for testing the car himself and even joked about the possibility of purchasing one of the limited production units.
If the real-world performance comes close to the simulated figures, the RB17 could establish a new absolute benchmark for track-oriented hypercars, redefining expectations for speed, handling, and technical innovation in the segment.
Leave a Reply