Reflects on How Revived Honda’s F1… read more
Former Formula 1 world champion has opened up about the enormous influence that legendary engineer and team boss had on Honda’s struggling Formula 1 operation during one of the most difficult periods in the team’s history. Speaking on the podcast, Button explained how Brawn’s arrival at the end of the disastrous 2007 campaign completely transformed the atmosphere inside the team and laid the foundation for one of the most remarkable success stories Formula 1 has ever seen.
Honda endured a nightmare season in 2007. Despite having previously shown flashes of promise, the Japanese manufacturer collapsed down the grid and managed to score only six points throughout the entire championship. Even after the disqualification of McLaren from the constructors’ standings because of the infamous scandal, Honda could only climb to eighth place overall. According to Button, morale inside the team had reached rock bottom, and many within the organisation were desperate for a major change.
That turning point came when Brawn joined Honda near the end of 2007. Button recalled how the mood within the factory shifted almost instantly after the announcement. The British driver explained that the team desperately needed fresh leadership and a renewed sense of direction after such a painful campaign. For many employees, Brawn’s arrival represented hope that the team could finally escape its downward spiral.
Button vividly remembered the moment Brawn was introduced to the staff. The entire factory had gathered together, unaware of what was about to happen. When Brawn walked down the aisle and stood before the workforce, Button said it immediately felt as though a saviour had arrived. His reputation alone gave people confidence that the team’s fortunes could change. Having previously enjoyed huge success with Ferrari alongside legends such as , Brawn carried enormous respect throughout the paddock, and his presence immediately lifted spirits within Honda.
However, Button stressed that Brawn’s impact went far beyond simply being a famous figure. He praised the veteran engineer’s leadership style and his deep understanding of how successful Formula 1 teams operate. According to Button, Brawn helped eliminate the blame culture that had developed within the organisation. Instead of individuals pointing fingers at each other when things went wrong, Brawn encouraged collaboration and openness.
This new approach gave engineers and team members more freedom to think creatively and experiment with bold ideas. Button explained that Brawn understood risks were necessary if the team ever wanted to compete at the front again. While not every idea would succeed, creating an environment where innovation was encouraged proved vital in rebuilding confidence throughout the team.
Although Honda still struggled during Brawn’s first full season with the outfit in 2008, the groundwork for future success was quietly being established behind the scenes. Ironically, despite Brawn helping to stabilise the organisation, Honda eventually decided to withdraw from Formula 1 due to financial concerns and the enormous costs involved in running the operation. The company chose to sell the team to Brawn himself for the symbolic price of £1.
That decision unexpectedly paved the way for one of Formula 1’s greatest fairy-tale stories. Rebranded as for the 2009 season, the team shocked the sport by immediately becoming championship contenders. Against all expectations, Button and Brawn GP dominated much of the season, securing both the drivers’ and constructors’ world championships in the team’s only year of existence.
The remarkable triumph remains one of the sport’s most unforgettable achievements. After winning the title, Button moved to to partner fellow British driver , while Brawn later sold the team to . That sale would eventually lead to the creation of the dominant Mercedes Formula 1 era that followed years later.
Looking back, Button clearly believes that without Brawn’s arrival during Honda’s darkest days, none of that historic success would ever have happened.