Ross Brawn ranks controversial Benetton B194 among his favorite F1 cars

As Formula 1 approaches its monumental 2026 technical reset, Ross Brawn has identified the controversial Benetton B194 and his own championship-winning Brawn BGP 001 as standout designs in his career. These cars highlight how regulatory changes and aggressive engineering can create decisive competitive advantages, offering lessons for the upcoming grid overhaul.

Why it matters:

History suggests that major regulation shifts, like the one coming in 2026, often reward teams that find clever interpretations of the rules. Brawn’s reflection on the BGP 001 and B194 serves as a case study in how aerodynamic innovation and early project starts can disrupt the established order, regardless of the budget or political climate.

The details:

Brawn elaborated on the technical triumphs and challenges of the 2009 Brawn BGP 001:

• Resource Maximization: The car was born from Honda’s massive investment, utilizing three wind tunnels running in parallel to accelerate development.
• The Double Diffuser: A key innovation came from a Japanese engineer who proposed the twin-floor concept, which became the benchmark for the field.
• Engineering Compromises: The late switch from Honda to Mercedes power required lifting the gearbox to fit the higher engine crankshaft. This compromised the center of gravity and suspension geometry, yet the car still dominated the early season with Jenson Button.

Looking Ahead:

Brawn also defended the Benetton B194, the car that delivered Michael Schumacher’s 1994 title, despite the season's controversy.

• Early Development: The team began designing for the passive suspension era in early 1993, giving them a significant head start over rivals who started later.
• Weight Distribution: The B194 was exceptionally light, allowing engineers to use ballast to optimize the center of gravity—a fundamental physics principle that remains critical in modern F1 design.
• Legacy: While clouded by allegations of rule-bending, Brawn considers the B194 a "fabulous design" and a highlight of his technical directorship.