Horner reveals soul-crushing price tag of RB17 hypercar

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Hold onto your wallets, racing enthusiasts, because Christian Horner has confirmed the eye-watering price of Red Bull’s newly launched RB17 hypercar.

Officially introduced on Friday at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the F1-inspired marvel designed by Adrian Newey boasts a top speed of 350 km/h and features a roaring V10 engine that can reach up to 15,000 rpm.

The exclusivity of the RB17 is further emphasized by its limited production run, with only 50 units available for purchase.

When asked about the RB17’s price, Horner didn't hesitate to confirm the staggering figure while teasing the elite clientele that have already shown interest in the street-legal beast.

“It's just under £6m!” said Horner, whose words were followed by a wave of gasps at Goodwood. “There are some iconic owners on the ownership list.”

Needless to say, for that kind of cash, the RB17’s well-heeled owners will be getting some serious bragging rights.

While the RB17 might not be tearing up the tracks anytime soon, the thought of the hypercar machine battling for Le Mans glory is certainly tantalizing.

“I'm not sure what category it could race in, but, of course, it'd be amazing to see that car run at the front of Le Mans,” added the Red Bull Racing team boss.

“I think the [Aston Martin] Valkiyre will run at Le Mans next year. So if that can happen, it would be amazing to see.”

The RB17 marks Newey's final project with Red Bull before his planned departure in early 2025. Horner highlighted the significance of the car withing the context of the Briton’s legacy.

“This car is basically about Adrian's utopia,” Horner explained. “It's him let off the leash.

“There are no FIA constraints, there's no cost cap. You can see influences from all his cars over the years. It has an insane amount of performance.

“Even Max Verstappen would struggle to extract the amount of performance that this car has, such as the level of downforce.

“It's a celebration now of Adrian's time with the team. It's 50 very special cars.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.