The Brawn GP BGP001 was a Formula 1 car used by the Brawn GP F1 Team in the 2009 season. It was mainly developed by Ross Brawn, who had previously been the technical director at Ferrari. This car was basically a transformation of the Honda RA108 since Brawn GP came from the former Honda team after Honda pulled out of F1 at the end of 2008. The Brawn GP BGP001 was born with a huge technical advantage: the double diffuser, which was an innovation in aerodynamics and made the car almost unbeatable early in the season. Under the hood, it had a 2.4-liter (0.6-gallon) V8 engine from Mercedes-Benz that really delivered on performance, rounding out this awesome combo of aerodynamic efficiency and engine power.
The model car shown here, in a 1/18 scale, was made by Minichamps and represents the Brawn GP BGP001 in meticulous detail. Made from a mix of materials, this model stands out with its precise craftsmanship that captures the original’s shape impressively. It’s part of Modelly member AudiSport’s collection and is a coveted piece since it’s a limited edition – only 1200 pieces were produced worldwide. The model pops with its striking paint job, combining white, black, and neon yellow in well-defined areas. You can also spot sponsor logos, like Virgin, Bridgestone, and Brackley, adorning the sides and front wings of the vehicle.
On the racing front, the Brawn GP BGP001 was a milestone in F1 history. Driven by Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, the team scored a total of eight Grand Prix wins in the 2009 season. A standout moment was Jenson Button’s victory in Australia, the season opener, along with his World Championship win that season. Brawn GP’s success surprised the entire motorsport world since the team started as an underdog, but thanks to technical innovations and strategic skills from Ross Brawn, they managed to outpace the competition. By clinching the Constructors' Championship in 2009, they immediately established themselves as one of the most impressive teams in F1 history.
The paint job on the 1/18 scale miniature is a faithful replica of the real Brawn GP BGP001. The white base paint features bright yellow neon stripes that run from the cooler area to the side air intakes, creating a striking contrast. Black outlines highlight the aggressive lines of the car. You can easily spot sponsors like Virgin, which prominently occupies the side area with its red logo, while Bridgestone is shown on the tires and the front wings. The blend of simple elegance and aerodynamically emphasized color schemes makes the model visually stunning.
This model car is a showstopper thanks to its accurate reproduction of every detail of the original. The mixture of materials gives a realistic impression, and the proportions of the 1/18 model do a great job of showcasing the significant width of the front wings and the aerodynamically shaped rear. The unique paint job and sponsor placements provide an authentic feel of the F1 2009 season. Especially impressive are the detailed wheels with the Bridgestone logo and the tiny driver figure in the cockpit, complete with helmet and racing suit. For collectors, this Minichamps model is a highlight of any collection, thanks to its limited edition of just 1200 pieces worldwide.