Latest news with #BrawnGP
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
How Brawn GP became the surprise Formula 1 team that beat all odds to become champions
Brawn GP (via Getty Images) In 2009, a tale was witnessed that still echoes around the F1 paddock: that of the emergence of Brawn GP. Conceived out of the wreckage of the Honda F1 team , which suddenly walked away from motorsport in the midst of the global financial crisis, Brawn GP had all the ingredients for disaster. But instead, it made history as it went on to win both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships in their sole season of competition. From Honda's departure to Brawn's crisis rebuild Moore on the Grid: BTS at 3 Sisters Circuit Summer Sprint Round 2 When Honda announced its departure from Formula 1 at the turn of 2008, it left hundreds of engineers, a nearly finished car, and a well-equipped facility in Brackley on hold. But Team Principal Ross Brawn was not about to walk away. He brokered a management buyout and rescued the project in the nick of time. With a new entity—Brawn GP—they required an engine partner. Whilst Ferrari were supportive, Ross Brawn opted to partner with Mercedes-Benz, a move that saved the team beyond 2009. At the heart of this miracle was the BGP001—a nondescript-looking car in its white, sponsor-less colours, but beneath which lay technical brilliance way beyond the competition. Perhaps most strikingly, it boasted a double diffuser—a cunning reinterpretation of the new 2009 rules permitting an additional air channel beneath the car, producing far greater downforce. While the majority of the grid had interpreted the rules conservatively, Brawn GP took advantage of a loophole. Only Toyota and Williams had used similar designs, and none of them had done it as well. Other teams complained, but the FIA declared the diffuser legal, leaving everyone else scrambling to catch up. Even though Brawn GP seemed to have emerged out of nowhere, the car was a result of rigorous Honda R&D before their withdrawal. Honda had spent lavishly on wind tunnel testing—utilising several in the UK and Japan—and even tested hybrid system components that would set a precedent for future F1-era innovations. The team was so far in front of development that it even had an effect on the 2009 aero shift; employing sophisticated CFD simulations and taking advantage of technical loopholes well ahead of competitors had made adjustments. Outside of the diffuser, the BGP001 's aerodynamic solution was full of innovation. The front wing, specially designed, assisted in better tyre wake management, with the adjuster on the inboard section instead of being concealed within the endplates—increasing outwash capacity. The wing itself had a multi-element endplate and double cascade configuration to better control airflow, with the addition of a complex bargeboard system and high-mounted wing mirror struts providing additional vortex creation. A broad, metal bib beneath the chassis contained ballast, aiding aerodynamic equilibrium. A 'snowplow' configuration splits this space and tapers airflow towards the car's underfloor, vital for optimising diffuser efficiency. Although 2009 saw the introduction of KERS to Formula 1, Brawn GP decided against it. Honda had experimented with hybrid technology prior to their departure, even testing nose-mounted battery locations—a revolutionary concept needing special FIA crash test clearance. However, the changeover to Mercedes power and alternative chassis configuration rendered the fitting of KERS impossible. Despite this, the natural aerodynamic efficiency and weight distribution of the car more than made up for the lack of energy recovery. Competitors such as Red Bull Racing and McLaren eventually came up with their own versions of the double diffuser , but their designs were frequently limited by suspension design. Red Bull's RB5, featuring pull-rod rear suspension, had little room to fit in the extra airflow channel. By the time their rivals caught up—midway through the season—Brawn GP had a lead that no one could challenge. Jenson Button won six of the first seven Grands Prix, while his teammate Rubens Barrichello scored two more victories towards the end of the season. A championship fairytale With minimal mid-season evolution courtesy of budget restraints, Brawn GP fell back on the sheer genius of its out-of-the-box package. Even with upgradations by richer teams during the season, the early-season supremacy was enough to win both titles. The 2009 Drivers' Championship was won by Jenson Button, while in its sole season of existence, Brawn GP won the Constructors' title. Ross Brawn had achieved the unthinkable. Also read: Brawn GP's 2009 title-winning F1 car sold for a staggering $3.8 million at Miami Grand Prix Now, the BGP001 is remembered as a championship-winning car which brought together imagination, determination, and vision when presented with a golden opportunity.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Brawn GP's 2009 title-winning F1 car sold for a staggering $3.8 million at Miami Grand Prix
The Brawn GP 2009 F1 car sold for $3.8 million at the Miami Grand Prix, marking an iconic auction moment. (Credit: Bonhams) 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 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 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 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 Read: Oliver Oakes resigns as Alpine F1 team boss, Flavio Briatore to take charge
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Jenson Button's 2009 Brawn GP F1 Car Up for Auction in Miami
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector A piece of Formula 1 history is set to hit the auction block in Miami this May. The 2009 Brawn GP F1 car, driven by Jenson Button to secure the F1 Driver's Championship, will be auctioned by Bonhams during the Miami Grand Prix weekend. This car, chassis 001/01, is one of only three vehicles built for the 2009 season and is now available for sale for the first time ever. The 2009 Brawn GP season remains one of the most remarkable stories in F1 history. After Honda pulled out of the sport in 2008, Ross Brawn purchased the team for a symbolic pound and set about creating a car that would stun the motorsport world. The Brawn GP car, with its groundbreaking "double diffuser" that improved aerodynamics, gave the team an extraordinary advantage. Jenson Button dominated early in the season, winning six of the first seven races, and despite increased competition from other teams, he held on to clinch the title in Brazil. This particular car, chassis 001/01, was driven by Button's teammate Rubens Barrichello for several races, securing podium finishes at events like Silverstone, Monaco, and Australia. After the season, Button was entitled to one of the Brawn GP cars, but due to a legal dispute with Mercedes, who took over the team, he did not receive it until 2010 after a court order. It was this car that would become the subject of Button's ongoing legal battle. The car was displayed in various collections, including Button's personal garage, until it was sold to a private collector last year. Now, it is up for auction at Bonhams, though no estimate or opening bid has been shared publicly. With recent championship-winning cars selling for millions, it is expected that this piece of F1 history will fetch a significant amount. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Brawn GP F1 car heading to auction for the first time
The first Brawn GP Formula 1 car is being made available to the public for the very first time as part of Bonham's auction at the Miami Grand Prix this May. BGP 001/01 is one of just three Brawn GP chassis ever produced, and is finished in the livery sported by Jenson Button's car at the 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, although it was Button's teammate Rubens Barrichello who raced this particular chassis at the time, Barrichello drove the car from the Australian Grand Prix until the Singapore Grand Prix in 2009 before switching to chassis 001/03 for the final three races of the season. It scored two victories in Barrichello's hands – at the European Grand Prix in Valencia and the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the car's penultimate outing – and a further four podiums, including second in a Mercedes one-two on the team's debut in Australia. 'This car represents the ultimate Formula 1 fairy tale – a revolutionary design that redefined what was possible,' said Louis Frankel, Miami head of sale at Bonhams. 'Chassis 001/01 is a piece of motorsport history, and its offering at auction is sure to captivate collectors worldwide. 'We are honored to present this unrepeatable opportunity over the Miami Grand Prix, a stage befitting its legendary status.' Brawn GP's sole Formula 1 season is the stuff of legend. Rising from the ashes of the departed Honda team and running on a relatively modest budget following an 11th hour management buyout, the team shoehorned customer Mercedes engines into its car that had been developed by the team when it was still under the Japanese brand's ownership, then went on to win both the Drivers' and Constructors' championships. In total, the team took eight wins from 17 races in 2009, including six of the first seven as it capitalized on the 'blown diffuser' loophole to get a competitive advantage in what was the first year of new aerodynamic regulations. At the end of the season Mercedes purchased the team, with it going on to add seven more Drivers' and Constructors' title doubles between 2014-2020, and another Constructors' title in 2021. Following the 2009 season BGP 001/01 fell under Mercedes ownership as part of its acquisition of the team and went on to serve as a showcar, complete with silver livery. It was later passed on to Button as part of a contractual clause that stipulated he was to receive a car in the event of him winning the championship. Mercedes initially refused to hand over a car, and the case eventually went to London's High Court in June 2010. Bonhams states the car remained in Button's possession until 2024. It is unknown whether he is the seller. The other two Brawn cars also survive, but have never been sold on the open market. Chassis 001/02 – the car Button drove in every race in 2009 en route to his title win – is owned by Brawn GP team principal and namesake Ross Brawn, and is the only one of the three in running order. It ran at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2016 (after being restored) in the hands of Martin Brundle, and 2019 when it was driven by former-Brawn GP test driver Anthony Davidson and Barrichello, and again at Silverstone ahead of the British Grand Prix that year when Button drove it for the first time in a decade. The third chassis is still owned by Mercedes, but is on loan to the Silverstone Museum. It too saw life as a Mercedes showcar, but has since been returned to its period livery. Nevertheless, it still sports plaid trimming in the cockpit (akin to Mercedes grand prix cars of the 1950s), a hangover from its early post-race life. Coincidentally, news of the upcoming Brawn GP car sale comes after a Mercedes became the most expensive grand prix car sold at auction last week. A 1954-55 W196R Stromlinienwagen (Streamliner), driven to victory in the 1955 Argentine Grand Prix by Juan Manuel Fangio and to the fastest lap of the Italian Grand Prix of the same year by Stirling Moss, sold for $53.9 million at RM Sotheby's Paris sale. It was sold from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum collection, which received the car in 1965 as a donation from Mercedes parent Daimler-Benz. That smashed the previous record for the highest price of a grand prix car sold at auction. That was another W196R, albeit in its standard guise, which was sold by Bonhams for $29.6 million at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The third-highest selling grand prix car at auction also happens to be a Mercedes – a 2013 F1 W04 that was driven by Lewis Hamilton to his first race win for the factory Mercedes team, and later owned by McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown. The only modern Mercedes F1 car in private hands, it was sold to an unknown buyer for $18.8 million at RM Sotheby's auction at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023. All three fall way short of the overall auction record for a car though. That, again, is a Mercedes – one of two 1955 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes – which sold for $142 million in 2022. Story originally appeared on Racer
