After Formula 1 and the FIA confirmed what the engine regulations will be like from the 2026 season, where the amount of electric power is increased and the use of biofuels is forced, the Great Circus has been the subject of growing interest for part of car manufacturers.
Audi announced last month that it would enter the category as a supplier of power units, while the departure of the Volkswagen Group itself, Porsche, remains interested in joining, despite the fact that its partnership plan with Red Bull has broken down after failing to arrive. successfully in the negotiations.
It also seems that Honda is studying its official return in 2026, after ending its time with Red Bull last year, despite the fact that they continue to maintain technical ties with those from Milton Keynes.
With Mercedes already on the grid, Audi on the way, Porsche interested and the Volkswagen brand itself in the business, only BMW as the only big German without being present in Formula 1. However, in an interview with the sister publication of Motorsport .com, Motorsport-Total.com, those responsible for the firm made it clear that the Great Circus was not something that was on their radar.
The Germans’ sports chief, Andreas Roos, said being absent from motorsport’s top flight “is not a problem” for BMW, because “they are not interested at the moment”.
“I think you have to be realistic,” said the successor to current Aston Martin boss Mike Krack . “You have a very high investment in Formula 1, and until that pays off, you need to be very successful for a long time, so we are happy with the various projects that we currently have in motorsport.
BMW was present as a manufacturer between 2000 and 2009, when they first worked with Williams before moving to Sauber as a factory team in 2006. As a team they took one win, at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix, but left when they saw That was no longer viable.
Although they have been linked with a possible return, given the interest of other manufacturers and the change in engine regulations, those in Munich made it clear that their focus is on the LMDh .
The Germans’ new car will make its IMSA debut next year, before moving on to the WEC from 2024, when they will also be back in contention for overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“We are practically fully involved in electrification and in the transformation towards it,” said Roos. “The LMDh fits perfectly there, and not just in 2026 when Formula 1 goes in that direction. From that point of view, the time is right for us to be with the LMDh now.”
The brand’s general manager in the sports area, Frank van Meel , acknowledged the value of marketing and the reach of Grand Circus racing, but explained that the firm does not “do motor sports just for marketing reasons”.
“We want to give something to the sport, and develop together,” he said. “That’s why LMDh is more important to us than Formula 1, it’s too far away from our M-series products, but also in terms of time with the issue of electrification.
Do you want to read our news before anyone else and for free? Follow us here on our Telegram channel and you won’t miss a thing. All the information, at your fingertips!
