Disney+ released a four-part documentary series titled Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. The documentary sheds light on one of the most spectacular feats in recent Formula 1 history.
According to USA Today, in 2008, after the Great Recession, Honda removed its name from the Formula 1 grid. However, Honda did not shut down their operation totally. Instead, they sold the team to Ross Brawn for £1. Brawn was the former technical director of the team.
This new team, which was called Brawn GP, had a reduced budget and competed in 2009. Mercedes-Benz reportedly provided them with engines. Even though they were facing Formula 1 veterans like Ferrari and McLaren, this new team managed to win six of the first seven races of the season.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, the synopsis of Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 reads, “The story of how Ross Brawn, in 2009, competing in the most expensive and technologically advanced racing series, made the impossible happen; his understaffed, underfinanced and independent team won the World Championship.”
Keanu Reeves and Neil Duncanson are the executive producers of Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story.
Ross Brawn on taking Brawn GP to the pinnacle of success
Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story is narrated by the Canadian actor Keanu Reeves. According to Formula 1.com, in the documentary, he is seen having a conversation with Ross Brawn.
He spoke candidly about the time everything that transpired in 2008, saying, “They would have spent 100 million dollars to shut the company. We said, ‘Don’t waste that money, because then there’s nothing left.’”
He further added, “If you allow us to buy the team and you give us 90 million dollars of closedown costs, we could run a skeleton operation of the company, we’ll take on all the responsibilities for the people… Why not go racing for a year if we can do it.”
Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story is currently streaming on Disney+.