Red Bull's RB17: Faster Than F1, Horner Confirms

Red Bull’s RB17 hypercar is set to surpass Formula 1 speeds, with Christian Horner highlighting its exceptional capabilities.

Red Bull unveiled its RB17 hypercar at Goodwood this weekend. A model of the team’s first road car, crafted by Adrian Newey, is on display throughout the Festival of Speed. Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, confirmed the model’s exceptional performance.

“The RB17 will be faster on certain tracks than a Formula 1 car, due to its downforce,” Horner said. “Not with me at the wheel, but with a professional driver! Liam Lawson drove the car on the simulator the other day, and I think he kept his eyes peeled.”

Horner also confirmed that, following in the footsteps of Ferrari and its Corse Clienti programme, Red Bull will offer a service with mechanics and engineers to run the car on tracks: “We do not want these cars to end up in collectors’ museums.”

“Owning these cars will involve participating in track days, seeing them race on circuits, getting them out there. They are designed to be driven, and we want to see them in action on various tracks around the world.”

“We will provide a full bespoke service if the owner desires. It’s like keeping a racehorse in training. We can take care of the car, maintain it, deliver it to the track, the owner turns up and hopefully enjoys a great day with other drivers.”

This weekend, Horner will drive the 2012 RB8 instead of Sebastian Vettel, and he explains why: “Sebastian Vettel was supposed to drive one of the cars here, but he’s on holiday with his family and couldn’t make it to Goodwood. I haven’t driven a single-seater since 1998 and a Formula 1 car since 1993.”

“So, I thought the opportunity yesterday to drive a car with a hand clutch and left foot brake was a tremendous honour and privilege, driving one of these extraordinary, championship-winning cars. I am therefore Sebastian’s stand-in for the weekend at Goodwood.”