Disney+ has unveiled the first look images for its upcoming documentary series featuring Keanu Reeves as the host and executive producer. The series, titled “Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story”, will tell the remarkable story of how an underdog team defied all odds and won the World Championship in 2009.
The four-part series will follow the journey of Ross Brawn, the former technical director of Ferrari, who bought the Honda team for a symbolic £1 after the Japanese manufacturer pulled out of Formula 1 due to the global financial crisis. Brawn renamed the team as Brawn GP and hired drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, who had been left without a seat.
With a limited budget, a small staff and an untested car, Brawn GP faced a daunting challenge to compete against the likes of Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull. However, thanks to Brawn’s brilliant strategy, innovative design and relentless work ethic, the team managed to achieve the impossible: winning eight races out of 17 and securing both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles.
The series will feature exclusive interviews with Brawn, Button, Barrichello and other key figures from the 2009 season, as well as behind-the-scenes footage and archive material. The series will also explore the wider context of Formula 1, its history, its politics and its future.
Keanu Reeves, who is a passionate fan of motorsport and has raced motorcycles himself, will provide his unique perspective and insight as he guides the viewers through this incredible story of triumph over adversity. Reeves will also serve as an executive producer alongside Stephen Hamel, Chad Stahelski, David Leitch and Kelly McCormick from Company Films, and Sean Doyle from Disney+ EMEA.
“Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story” is expected to premiere on Disney+ later this year. The series is produced by Whisper Films, which has a long-standing relationship with Formula 1 and has produced several documentaries and features for the sport. The series is directed by James Erskine, who has previously directed acclaimed sports documentaries such as “The Edge”, “One Night in Turin” and “Sachin: A Billion Dreams”.
Disney+ has also announced other unscripted projects from the UK, including a music docuseries produced by and featuring pop star Dua Lipa, a fashion docuseries featuring Vogue editor Anna Wintour and other celebrities, and a sports docuseries about the rivalry between Adidas and Puma.