Brabham Automotive Shuts Down as David Brabham and Fusion Capital Part Ways, Marking the End of the BT62 Supercar
In a shocking development that has left the motorsport world reeling, David Brabham, co-founder of Brabham Automotive and the youngest son of three-time Formula 1 World Champion Sir Jack Brabham, announced last week that the company has been dissolved. Taking to Instagram to break the news, Brabham confirmed that the partnership with Fusion Capital, the investment group that had been backing the brand since its inception, has come to an end, ultimately leading to the closure of the company and marking the final chapter for the highly acclaimed BT62 supercar.
The announcement comes as a heartbreaking moment for both the Brabham family and the automotive industry. Brabham Automotive was founded in 2018 with the ambition of reviving the storied Brabham name, one synonymous with innovation and racing excellence. The BT62, the company’s first and only model, made headlines as an ultra-exclusive track-focused hypercar, boasting a 700-horsepower V8 engine, precision aerodynamics, and cutting-edge technology. It quickly became a symbol of Brabham’s return to elite motorsport engineering.
A Dream Cut Short
David Brabham’s vision for the brand extended beyond the BT62, with plans for further high-performance models and a return to the racing world. However, despite the initial excitement and the critical acclaim surrounding the BT62, Brabham Automotive’s future appeared uncertain in recent months. Financial struggles and disagreements between Brabham and Fusion Capital, the primary investor in the company, led to the difficult decision to dissolve their partnership.
In his Instagram post, Brabham expressed his deep regret and sadness over the closure of the company, calling it a “painful but necessary decision.” He emphasized that while the dissolution of Brabham Automotive marks the end of the BT62, he remains incredibly proud of what the team accomplished in such a short period.
“Creating Brabham Automotive and launching the BT62 has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” Brabham wrote. “However, due to circumstances beyond our control, we’ve had to make the difficult decision to part ways with Fusion Capital and close this chapter of the Brabham legacy.”
The End of the BT62
The BT62 supercar, which was limited to just 70 units in honor of the 70-year history of Brabham in motorsport, was heralded as a track weapon capable of rivaling even the most advanced hypercars from industry titans like Ferrari and McLaren. With its lightweight carbon fiber chassis and a weight of just 972 kg, the BT62 was engineered to deliver a pure racing experience.
The supercar was priced at approximately $1.3 million, and its exclusivity and performance made it highly coveted among car collectors and enthusiasts. For many, the BT62 represented not just a new car but a tangible link to the golden era of racing, a tribute to Sir Jack Brabham’s remarkable legacy in Formula 1 and motorsport innovation.
However, with Brabham Automotive’s dissolution, it appears that the dream of expanding the BT62’s legacy has come to an end. The company had teased plans for a road-legal version of the BT62 and other future projects, but those ambitions are now unlikely to materialize.
A Family Legacy Cut Short
For the Brabham family, the dissolution of Brabham Automotive represents more than just the end of a car company. It symbolizes the closing of another chapter in a long and storied motorsport legacy. Jack Brabham was not only a Formula 1 World Champion but also a pioneer who remains the only driver to win the championship in a car of his own design and construction. The Brabham name became synonymous with engineering excellence and racing success.
David Brabham, himself a successful racing driver with victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in various racing series, had hoped to carry on his father’s legacy through Brabham Automotive. The BT62 was intended to be the first step toward a full revival of the Brabham name in both road and race cars. The sudden closure of the company, therefore, comes as a major blow to the Brabham family’s enduring connection to motorsport.
What’s Next for David Brabham?
Despite the disappointing end to Brabham Automotive, David Brabham’s passion for motorsport remains undiminished. While no specific plans have been announced, Brabham hinted in his social media post that he would continue to be involved in the industry in some capacity. Whether that means a return to racing, a new venture, or continued involvement in automotive design, Brabham’s legacy is far from over.
“Though this chapter is ending, I look forward to new opportunities and continuing the Brabham story in other ways,” he concluded.
For fans of the Brabham name and the BT62, the announcement marks a bittersweet moment of reflection on what was achieved and what could have been. The BT62 will no doubt go down in history as a rare and remarkable machine, a testament to the Brabham family’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
While Brabham Automotive may no longer be moving forward, the spirit of Jack Brabham’s pioneering achievements will continue to inspire future generations of racers and engineers. For now, though, motorsport enthusiasts must bid farewell to what could have been an exciting new chapter in the Brabham dynasty.
