Brawn GP's 2009 title-winning F1 car sold for a staggering $3.8 million at Miami Grand Prix
Brawn GP's 2009 F1 fairy tale comes full circle with $3.8M auction at Miami Grand Prix
One of Formula 1's most iconic underdog machines – the Brawn BGP 001 chassis 001/01 – went under the hammer for a staggering $3.8 million during the 2025 Miami Grand Prix . Sold by Bonhams|Cars in collaboration with South Florida Motorsports, this rare machine was displayed and auctioned right at the heart of the action: the Miami podium at Hard Rock Stadium.Crafted during Brawn GP's single, unforgettable 2009 season, Chassis 001/01 is one of just three ever built, and notably, the only one to have been made available for public sale. It embodies the essence of one of F1's most improbable triumphs — a story born out of Honda's sudden withdrawal from the sport in 2008. Ross Brawn and Nick Fry bought the team for a symbolic £1, forged a new partnership with Mercedes-Benz, and turned the ashes of a crisis into a world championship double.'This car represents the ultimate Formula 1 fairy tale – a revolutionary design that redefined what was possible,' said Louis Frankel, Miami's head of sales for Bonhams|Cars, ahead of the auction. 'Chassis 001/01 is a piece of motorsport history, and its offering at auction is sure to captivate collectors worldwide. We are honoured to present this unrepeatable opportunity over the Miami Grand Prix, a stage befitting its legendary status.'Driven by Rubens Barrichello in most races during the 2009 season, the car was later handed to Jenson Button as a championship-winning token. Initially offered a replica, Button pushed back, and after legal wrangling, was rightfully awarded the original Chassis 001/01. While Button drove chassis 002 in races, this particular car holds deep sentimental and historic value — especially as the first and only Brawn GP car publicly available.Mechanically, the car retains its 2.4-liter Mercedes-Benz FO108W V8 power unit capable of delivering a ferocious 750bhp at 18,000rpm, though the lack of gearbox internals prevents it from being track-ready. Fitted with Bridgestone slicks, it looks every bit the beast that dominated the 2009 grid.Despite the impressive $3.8 million sale, the final bid did fall short of its projected estimate of $4.5–6.5 million.'We are excited to continue our partnership with Bonhams|Cars and bring even more success to this year's event,' said Tyler Epp, president of the Miami Grand Prix. 'There is a strong car culture in South Florida… to own one of the items in this special lot will add further appeal to a busy weekend of on-track action at this year's race.'Indeed, few machines represent such a perfect fusion of racing excellence and emotional legacy.Also Read: Oliver Oakes resigns as Alpine F1 team boss, Flavio Briatore to take charge
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