BMW dismisses the possibility of returning to Formula 1 despite interest from new manufacturers.

BMW dismisses the possibility of returning to Formula 1 despite interest from new manufacturers.

      "From a marketing perspective, it would be beneficial, but..."

      BMW has dismissed the idea of returning to Formula 1, despite increased interest from manufacturers due to the sport's contentious 2026 regulations. The new rules have already lured Audi and Cadillac to the grid, while Honda has reversed its earlier decision to exit and committed to the upcoming era. Additionally, the Chinese company BYD is reportedly considering a possible entry, either by forming a new team or acquiring an existing one. However, BMW has stated it is not interested.

      "The answer is no," declared BMW M CEO Frank van Meel in an interview with Australian media when asked about a potential F1 return. Instead, the German automaker plans to maintain its focus on racing programs that are more in line with its production vehicles. "We try to keep our racing activities closely connected to our series products," he explained. "That’s why we’re pleased to compete with cars like the M4 in GT4 and GT3 using engines from our production range." While recognizing Formula 1’s extensive global presence, van Meel indicated that the championship does not align with BMW’s current technical goals. "From a marketing perspective, it would be advantageous," he noted. "But from a technological perspective, we don’t see it meeting our objectives." BMW last participated in Formula 1 as a factory team in 2009, having previously found success as an engine supplier.

BMW dismisses the possibility of returning to Formula 1 despite interest from new manufacturers.

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BMW dismisses the possibility of returning to Formula 1 despite interest from new manufacturers.

Formula 1 | BMW has dismissed the possibility of making a comeback to Formula 1, even with the growing interest from manufacturers due to the sport's contentious 2026 regulations. The new (…)