Parents' Guide to Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story

TV Hulu Reality TV 2023
Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story poster: Keanu Reeves stands next to image of Jenson Button celebrating from the Brawn BGP 001.

Common Sense Media Review

Melissa Camacho By Melissa Camacho , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Detail-driven David & Goliath story has crashes, cursing.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 18+

Based on 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Hosted by Keanu Reeves, BRAWN: THE IMPOSSIBLE FORMUA ONE STORY is a four-part docuseries that tells one of motor racing's most incredible stories. In 2008 Honda began designing the Honda RA109 racing car to meet the new regulations implemented by the Federation Internationale de l'automobile (FIA) for the 2009 racing season. But at the end of the year, faced with the global financial crisis, Honda withdrew from the Formula 1 racing grid. Unable to find a buyer for the team, former Honda technical director Ross Brawn purchased it for a single British pound. Calling themselves Brawn GP, the now-independent team had to complete the design and build the new Brawn BGP 001 with a small staff and an extremely limited budget. With its Mercedes-Benz engines, a unique double-diffuser to help it corner faster, and drivers Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button at the wheel, Brawn GP beat the odds and won the Formula 1 Drivers and Constructors World Championships. Interviews with Ross Brawn, Jenson Button, Rubens Barrichello, and many others offer their insights into what went on on and off the track during that time.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 1 ):
Kids say : Not yet rated

The detail-driven docuseries shares lots of behind-the-scenes machinations that Formula 1 lovers will revel in. It explains the engineering designs that were implemented to modify the Brawn BGP 001 while complying with FIA's new rules. It also highlights how Ross Brawn's reputation went from sympathetic underdog to outright cheater by folks like former Ferrari chairman Luca de Montezemolo once GP Brawn started winning races. Mixed into these narratives are the personal stories of the drivers, who have their own goals to meet while on the track. There's some interesting admissions, too, including the team's lack of excitement about Richard Branson sponsoring them. Meanwhile, seeing Keanu Reeves on screen while conducting interviews adds entertainment. If you're not an F1 racing fan, you might find the overall series mildly interesting; fans will find Brawn: The Impossible One Story both informative and compelling.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how expensive it is to be a part of Formula 1 racing. How much money do teams need to begin competing in the sport? What impact does this have on potential participants?

  • Keanu Reeves consistently appears on camera throughout Brawn: The Impossible One Story. How does this contribute to the way the story is told to viewers?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by

Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story poster: Keanu Reeves stands next to image of Jenson Button celebrating from the Brawn BGP 001.

What to Watch Next

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate