BMW dispels illusions: they have no intention of entering Formula 1 or with the new 2026 engines
Published by The team in News the
27/09/2022 at 11:11
BMW will not enter Formula 1 in 2026 . The rumor that had taken a lot of force in recent weeks was completely denied by the German brand during the presentation of the M Hybrid V8. BMW wants to focus on the WEC, where they will enter the 2024 season with their LMDh.
It was Andreas Roos, the head of the sports section of BMW, who denied any interest of the brand in Formula 1. And it is that BMW seems to be the only major German manufacturer who will not have a presence in Formula 1, but that doesn't seem to worry them too much.
BMW wants to focus on its new M Hybrid V8
"We are not interested at the moment. You have to be realistic, you have a very high investment in Formula 1 , and until that pays off you have to be very successful for a long time," says Roos, who is Mike's successor. Krack, the boss of the Aston Martin Formula 1 team and future boss of Fernando Alonso.
In 2026, the new engine regulations in Formula 1 will come into force. Audi has already announced its entry , Porsche is looking for a partner after the breakup with Red Bull and Honda also seems close to a return . Su is speculating on an interested fourth automaker, and BMW has been mooted as it would be the only major German marque without a presence.
"It's not a problem," explains Roos, who isn't too worried about seeing Mercedes, Audi and Porsche in Formula 1. "For us , LMDh is much more important than Formula 1. It fits our philosophy better. " In 2024 , BMW will enter the World Endurance Championship.
Remember that BMW was already in Formula 1 at the beginning of the century. He led Williams from 2000 to 2005, coming close to the 2003 world title with Juan Pablo Montoya. Thereafter he embarked on a Sauber-based solo adventure from 2006 to 2009, where they again had a world championship option in 2008 with Robert Kubica. They left with the crisis.
Rumors had spoken of a possible BMW alliance with McLaren by 2026, but this is something that will not happen: "BMW will not buy any other company. We are independent and we do not want to invest elsewhere. We talk to everyone, but it's just a rumour. BMW is not going to buy McLaren ."
Thus, the dreams of seeing the four big German manufacturers in Formula 1 vanished. Which brand will be covered that has plans for 2026 ?