For the 1981 season, Brabham’s Technical Director Gordon Murray, along with Chief Designer David North, faces new regulations requiring a minimum ground clearance of 6 cm and banning sliding side skirts. The FIA aims to reduce downforce generated by ground effect, which had significantly increased performance in previous seasons.
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| BRABHAM BT49C, Nelson Piquet Montecarlo, Monaco GP 1981 |
Starting from the already competitive car of the previous season, Murray lightens the chassis by using more composite materials, such as carbon fiber and Kevlar, creating the "C" version of the Brabham BT49. Aesthetically, the car differs from the "B" version mainly in the nose, where front wings reappear to compensate for lost aerodynamic load. The BT49C also introduces carbon brake calipers and discs to reduce unsprung weight.
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| BRABHAM BT49C, Nelson Piquet Montecarlo, Monaco GP 1981 |
Murray devises a hydro-pneumatic suspension system in which air springs keep the car at the required height during stationary inspections. However, at high speeds, where ground clearance cannot be measured, aerodynamic load compresses the air springs, lowering the car significantly. Since skirts can no longer move and must be fixed to the body, the car's setup is extremely stiff to keep them in contact with the ground and seal the Venturi channels. The BT49C’s total suspension movement is only 40 mm, half of which comes from tire compression.
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| BRABHAM BT49C, Hector Rebaque Long Beach, USA West GP 1981 |
Regarding the engine, Brabham receives the upgraded Ford Cosworth DFV "evolution" units in 1981. These more powerful engines were exclusive to Williams until mid-1980, when the Grove-based team switched to Judd for engine preparation. Williams’ decision effectively elevates Nelson Piquet to Ford’s status as a "factory" driver, a relationship that ultimately helps him win the 1981 Drivers' Championship. The BT49 uses the engine as a fully stressed structural component, with its front mounted directly to the chassis and its rear supporting the rear suspension and gearbox.
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| BRABHAM BT49C, Nelson Piquet Österreichring, Austrian GP 1981 |
Throughout the season, the BT49C scores 61 points, nearly all earned by Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet, who secures the Drivers' Championship with three wins, one second place, and three third places. However, the team misses out on the Constructors' title due to the poor performance of its second driver, Mexican Héctor Rebaque, who only manages 11 points.
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