BMW explains why it’s not interested in F1 entry
BMW has cited a lack of opportunities for technology transfer as the key reason why it is not interested in joining Mercedes and Audi in Formula 1. The Munich-based manufacturer has remained absent from F1 since it sold its majority stake in Sauber in 2009, despite the series’ growing popularity making it more attractive to carmakers than ever before. The same Sauber team that BMW ... Keep reading
BMW has declined an invitation to join Formula 1, citing a lack of opportunities for technology transfer as the primary reason for its disinterest. Despite Formula 1's increasing popularity, making it more appealing to automakers than ever before, BMW remains absent from the series since selling its majority stake in Sauber in 2009.
The team that BMW previously owned has since been taken over by Audi, leaving the Munich-based manufacturer as the only major German automaker to show no interest in Formula 1 in recent years. BMW M boss Frank van Meel explained that F1 does not align with BMW's motorsport philosophy, which centers around transferring technology from race cars to production models.
He stated that Formula 1 is too far removed and doesn't translate well enough to production cars. BMW's involvement in motorsport primarily lies in sports car racing, with its flagship car being the BMW M Hybrid V8, competing in the World Endurance Championship and the IMSA SportsCar Championship. The company also sells GT3 and GT4 versions of the M4 model to customer teams worldwide.
BMW M's involvement in IMSA is particularly important to the company, as the United States is the most significant market for BMW M, with around 40% of its volume coming from the region.
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