**Iconic BGP 001 Formula 1 Car Sold at Auction for $3.8 Million**

The legendary BGP 001 Formula 1 car, a symbol of resilience and triumph from the 2009 season, has been sold at auction for an astounding $3.8 million during the 2025 Miami Grand Prix weekend. This historic sale took place through Bonhams|Cars, with Chassis 001/01, one of only three BGP 001 cars ever built, being the star attraction.

**The Rise of a Racing Giant**

The 001 car is inextricably linked to one of F1’s most captivating underdog stories. The departure of Honda from the sport in 2008 set the stage for Ross Brawn and Nick Fry to purchase the team, partnering with Mercedes-Benz as its engine supplier. The following year, they took to the racetrack. With its innovative double diffuser, the car quickly made waves, with Jenson Button claiming victory in the first six of seven races, marking the beginning of a dominant season that culminated in championship wins in both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles. eventually purchased the team at the end of the year, transforming it into a works team, and a successful one at that. Eight consecutive constructors’ titles followed, with seven drivers’ championships shared between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

**“This car embodies the ultimate Formula 1 fairy tale – a groundbreaking design that redefined what was possible,”** said Louis Frankel, Miami’s head of sales for Bonhams|Cars ahead of the sale. **”Chassis 001/01 is a piece of motorsport history, and its offering at auction is sure to captivate collectors worldwide. We are honored to present this unique opportunity over the Miami Grand Prix, a stage befitting its legendary status.”**

**A Piece of Motorsport History**

The car sold at auction was driven by Rubens Barrichello in 2009 and later given to Jenson Button, as promised if he won the championship. However, Button wasn’t fond of the replica car offered to him, leading to legal proceedings before he was eventually granted Chassis 001/01. The car he drove was chassis 002, but this remained in Brawn’s personal collection.

Despite fetching $3.8 million, the car didn’t quite reach its estimated value of $4.5-6.5 million. Equipped with the original 2.4-liter 90-degree Mercedes-Benz FO108W V8 power unit, the car is capable of generating 750bhp at 18,000rpm. Unfortunately, it cannot utilize this power due to its gearbox lacking any internals.

**“We are excited to continue our partnership with Bonhams|Cars and bring even more success to this year’s event,”** said Tyler Epp, president of the Miami Grand Prix. **”There is a strong car culture in South Florida, and the community of fans and collectors in Miami are passionate about all types of cars, old and new.“So for enthusiasts to have the opportunity to own one of the items in this special lot will add further appeal to a busy weekend of on-track action at this year’s race.”**