Hot 50: ROSS BRAWN

Who would have thought that creating a Formula One World Championship-winning car from nothing in eight months would be possible. In 2009 Ross Brawn proved it is. The first Brawn F1 car was unveiled at Silverstone in March, and last November it was crowned Constructor’s Champions Car. Brawn also delivered a new world champion racing driver in Jenson Button.

Brawn GP formed under Brawn’s leadership. He is owner and technical director of the new F1 team. Built on the ashes of the former Honda F1 outfit, the Japan-based team pulled out of the sport at the end of the 2008 season due to the economic downturn.

The Brawn BGP 001 car was modified to accommodate its Mercedes engine and a controversial hole in the rear ‘double-decker diffuser’. This increases the speed of airflow, and therefore creates more downforce.

Other teams argued that the presence of the hole was against regulations. However, this was rejected by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile which said the diffuser was legal.

Brawn is a pioneer for taking British F1 car design to the next level. From an apprentice engineer to owning his own F1 team, he has been an inspiration to many.