BMW has dismissed the idea of returning to Formula 1, even in this manufacturer-friendly era.

      "Formula 1 is too disconnected for us."

      BMW has once again dismissed the idea of returning to Formula 1, despite the sport’s increasing popularity and regulations aimed at attracting major manufacturers. While Audi is committed to F1 and Mercedes remains a key player in the championship, BMW M chief Frank van Meel stated that the company's focus lies elsewhere. In an interview with motor1.com, van Meel expressed that BMW finds more value in WEC and IMSA due to their direct connection to the development of road cars. When asked if this indicates a shortfall in F1, he affirmed, saying, "Yes." He noted, "Formula 1 is too far removed for us, too much like a laboratory and not sufficiently applicable to production cars." He explained that in Formula 1, there would be a completely separate technology center, isolated from all other operations. Van Meel recognized that BMW's customers are still fans of F1, but articulated that this enthusiasm alone does not warrant a return to the sport. "Our customers and fans certainly enjoy Formula 1, but they also favor motorsport that is more directly related to production," he emphasized. "The M narrative is about integrating motorsport into our production vehicles. And for us, Formula 1 simply doesn’t align with that."