Formula 1 really has penetrated the mainstream media. Drive to Survive is a major contributor to the current growth, however while the show recaps the previous season, there has been a big gap in allowing viewer to learn about some of the sport’s greatest or most controversial moments of the past. Disney Plus has identified that and delivered a brilliant mini-series aptly name Brawn.
What is Brawn
Brawn is both the name of a Formula 1 team and well as one of the greatest team leads in F1. Ross Brawn was the technical director of Ferrari during the glory days at Ferrari and Schumacher. He is also was the pioneer behind the greatest success story in F1.
For those that don’t know, Brawn is the only team to win a championship in Formula 1 while only competing for a year. It really is the Cinderella story of F1.
Backstory
The short version is that due to financial crisis Honda pulls out of F1 at the last minute. With only 3 months to go, the team is left in disarray. No Money, a pie in the sky technological idea and depleted spirits they rise from the ashes. As we all get to witness the greatest underdog story as they clinch both Drivers and Constructors championships.
But like we know, Cinderella never had it easy. And much like the Disney princess Brawn and his team had to take on the entire paddock. From mockery to legal battles, they endured it all. Their double diffuser stretched the boundaries of what the rules dictate. Even now years later it is still a hot topic. Did they break the rules or just find that sweet spot loophole?
Show
The Show on Disney Plus covers the full year in great detail. Hosted by the much-loved Keanu Reeves, takes us behind the scenes and gives at the full picture of what really went down.
Keanu is very candid in his interviews, and with his warm demeaner manages to get show that feels real and resonates with both old fans as well as the young blood. There is also a lot of original raw footage to see and provides a very nostalgic vibe… for me especially.
The show is a stroke of genius really. This particular team had to experience everything that happens over time within the confines of a single season. It’s the story that should also be re-invented as a movie. Well drama does make good television, and this show delivers that and at times even boosts it.
Verdict
This is the type of material we need more of. Again, DTS is a fun show, but again only covers the outgoing season. Formula 1 has rich tapestry of history and we need to start to peel those layers back one by one. Disney had blown the doors wide open with this spectacular show. The details and interviews fully submerge you. Not only do you get to leave with a full appreciation of the achievement of what Brawn and his team did, but also a better knowledge of how cars in F1 work. All this while being fully entertained.
