BMW issue statement over F1 return

BMW has officially stated that it will not return to Formula 1, emphasizing that the sport does not align with its current business strategy. The company, which last participated in F1 from 2000 to 2009, believes that the technology developed in F1 is too detached from the technology used in their road cars. Instead, BMW is focusing on other motorsport avenues, such as the World Endurance Championship and IMSA, which they believe offer better opportunities for technology transfer to production vehicles.

Frank van Meel, the head of BMW's motorsport division, highlighted that their customers prefer motorsport that is more closely related to production cars. BMW's history in F1 includes 20 race wins, with their last victory occurring in 2008. The company is now concentrating on leveraging its motorsport activities to enhance its offerings in the automotive market.