How Brawn GP became the surprise Formula 1 team that beat all odds to become champions

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
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.