Brawn GP

One season, two titles, and a 100% success rate that defied all odds.

Brawn GP was a Formula One constructor that competed exclusively during the 2009 World Championship, fielding drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello. Formed through a management buyout led by Ross Brawn after Honda's withdrawal in December 2008, the team emerged from the Honda Racing F1 Team assets. They achieved immediate dominance, winning eight of the season's seventeen races and securing both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships in their only year of competition. This historic run made them the only constructor with a 100% title rate.

Quick Facts

Championships won: 1 (Constructors), 1 (Drivers)
Active season: 2009
Team principal: Ross Brawn
Predecessor: Honda Racing F1 Team
Successor: Mercedes GP Petronas Motorsport

Lore & Background

The team's origins trace back to the Tyrrell Racing Organisation before evolving through British American Racing and Honda. When Honda pulled out due to the financial crisis, Ross Brawn led a buyout on March 6, 2009, purchasing the assets for just £1. Although the FIA considered them an entirely new entry, they inherited the development work started in early 2008 under the RA109 designation. Renamed the BGP-001 to fit Mercedes engines, the car featured a controversial double diffuser. Protested by Ferrari, Red Bull Racing, and Renault, this aerodynamic innovation was declared legal by the FIA in April 2009, granting Brawn GP a crucial downforce advantage that propelled them to pole positions and victories.

Reader's Guide

Brawn GP was formed when Ross Brawn and Nick Fry acquired the Honda Racing F1 Team for £1, retaining key staff including drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello. The team utilized a budget of $100 million provided by Honda prior to withdrawal and Mercedes engines under a customer relationship. Their technical strategy focused on the double diffuser, which overcame the lack of KERS development that other teams had pursued. Despite struggles at the British and German Grands Prix where tyre temperature issues affected performance, they won eight races total. The team's success led to their acquisition by Mercedes-Benz and Aabar Investments for a 75.1% stake in November 2009, rebranding as Mercedes GP for the 2010 season.

Did You Know?

The team's car was originally named the RA109 under Honda before being redesigned and renamed the BGP-001 for the Mercedes engine fitment.
Jenson Button secured the 2009 Drivers' Championship by finishing fifth at the Brazilian Grand Prix, starting from fourteenth position.
Brawn GP received the Laureus World Sports Awards for Team of the Year in 2010 following their historic season.