Brawn GP Chassis 001 Auctioned for $3.8 Million
During the 2025 Miami Grand Prix weekend, Brawn GP’s iconic Chassis 001/01 was sold at auction for $3.8 million by Bonhams|Cars. This car, renowned for its pivotal role in the 2009 Formula 1 season, is one of only three BGP 001 vehicles ever built.
The sale underscores the legacy of the Brawn GP team, which emerged after Honda’s withdrawal from Formula 1 in 2008. Team principal Ross Brawn and managing director Nick Fry acquired the team for just £1, subsequently partnering with Mercedes-Benz for engine supply. Brawn GP’s innovative double diffuser design propelled Jenson Button to win six out of seven races, securing both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships that season.
Louis Frankel, head of sales for Bonhams|Cars in Miami, remarked, “This car represents the ultimate Formula 1 fairy tale – a revolutionary design that redefined what was possible. Chassis 001/01 is a piece of motorsport history, and its offering at auction is sure to captivate collectors worldwide.”
At the time of the sale, the car was driven by Rubens Barrichello before being presented to Button following his championship win. Although its auction price fell short of the estimated $4.5 to $6.5 million, the vehicle remains significant for its original 2.4-liter Mercedes-Benz FO108W V8 power unit capable of generating 750 bhp at 18,000 rpm, despite its gearbox being internally incomplete.
Tyler Epp, president of the Miami Grand Prix, emphasized the event’s synergy with the car auction, stating, “The strong car culture in South Florida makes this a meaningful opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors.”
The sale of Chassis 001/01 highlights the historical significance of Brawn GP within the realm of motorsport, making it a celebrated artifact for F1 collectors and aficionados alike.
