Red Bull Formula 1 team has unveiled its first car two years after announcing plans to produce it under the guidance of renowned – and sought-after – engineer Adrian Newey. The ambitious epic, named the RB17, saw the light of day at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England. A fitting occasion, it goes without saying.
Why RB17, you ask? Because of the pandemic. Formula 1 cars had their development frozen between the 2020 and 2021 seasons. So when Max Verstappen won his first title in 2021, he did so in a Red Bull RB16B, an iteration of the previous RB16. In 2022, Red Bull jumped a step further and named its car the RB18. The RB17 bridges the gap between the two cars.
So much for the introductions. But how does it stand out from the plethora of supercars currently on offer? First, its engine. It is a 4.5 L V10 developed by Cosworth with a maximum rotation speed of 15,000 rpm, as much as the V6s currently used in Formula 1. On its own, it produces more than 1000 hp without supercharging and weighs only 145 kg. It is assisted by a 200 hp electric motor. A six-speed sequential gearbox is responsible for guidance.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY RED BULL
The Red Bull RB17
The frame of this RB17 is entirely made of carbon fiber. This allows the total mass to be lowered to 900 kg, almost 200 kg less than a Mazda MX-5. To keep the two-seater glued to the track, even at its top speed of over 350 km/h, the engineers use active pushrod dampers. The system is able to adjust the ground clearance continuously.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY RED BULL
The Red Bull RB17
We cannot ignore the aerodynamic variable that is essential to its performance either. Under its complex and homogeneous forms, there is a multitude of aerodynamic appendages capable of generating almost double its weight in support (1700 kg) at 240 km/h. Adrian Newey also confided to the media present at the unveiling that this RB17 would have been in the leading position of the last British Grand Prix, according to simulations. This model will be intended solely for the track and only 50 copies will be produced. An exercise that is nothing short of astonishing.