Newey Retains Influence on Red Bull's RB17 Hypercar Despite Aston Martin Move
Despite moving to Aston Martin, design legend Adrian Newey is still providing input on Red Bull's RB17 Hypercar, helping to turn his original vision for the exclusive 50-unit project into reality.
Design legend Adrian Newey continues to lend his expertise to Red Bull's RB17 Hypercar project, even after his high-profile departure to Aston Martin. According to Red Bull Advanced Technologies' Rob Gray, Newey's foundational vision for the car is largely complete, but he remains available for consultation to ensure the final product stays true to his original concept.
Why it matters:
Newey is arguably the most successful designer in F1 history, and his name alone carries immense weight. His continued involvement, however limited, is a massive endorsement for the multi-million dollar RB17 and a rare example of an amicable, post-departure collaboration in the cutthroat world of Formula 1. The hypercar serves as a tangible legacy of his two-decade tenure at Red Bull, separate from his future competitive endeavors.
The details:
- The Arrangement: Rob Gray, Technical Director at Red Bull Advanced Technologies, confirmed to Top Gear that Newey is "allowed to" stay involved and remains "interested" in the project's progress, with the team able to call him for his thoughts.
- Vision vs. Execution: The core of Newey's work is done. Gray stated that the team "got a lot of what we needed from him" and now the primary focus is on "making his vision real." The engineering team is tasked with turning his concepts into a finished product.
- Recent Revisions: The RB17 has undergone some design tweaks ahead of its release. These include amended front lights, redesigned cooling vents, and a prominent sailfish fin on the engine cover, with the car being slightly smaller than the initial prototype.
- Exclusivity: Production will be strictly limited to just 50 units, ensuring its status as an exclusive, collector's piece for wealthy clients.
Looking Ahead:
While Newey's focus will inevitably shift to his new role at Aston Martin, the RB17 project moves forward with his DNA deeply embedded. The responsibility now rests with Gray and the team at Red Bull Advanced Technologies to deliver a hypercar that faithfully executes the vision of a master designer, cementing its place in automotive history.