Why BMW and Audi Aren't Racing in Formula 1 Like Mercedes

If you’ve ever wondered why you don’t see BMW or Audi beside Mercedes on the F1 grid, you’re not alone. It’s a question that pops up a lot among fans who love high‑speed drama. In this May 2023 roundup we break down the real reasons behind their decisions, and what it means for the sport.

BMW’s F1 Exit Explained

BMW stepped away from Formula 1 after the 2009 season. The main driver? Cost versus benefit. Running an F1 team eats up billions each year, and BMW decided those funds could be better spent elsewhere. They shifted focus to touring cars, DTM, and electric mobility projects that line up with their brand’s future roadmap. By pulling out, BMW also avoided the heavy R&D expenses tied to F1’s hybrid power units, which didn’t match their immediate sustainability goals. The result? BMW still shows up at races, just not as a constructor.

Audi’s Road to Other Racing Series

Audi has never actually entered Formula 1, and that’s a strategic choice, not an oversight. Instead, Audi poured resources into endurance racing, especially the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where they’ve won multiple times. They also lead the charge in Formula E, the electric single‑seater series that aligns with Audi’s push toward zero‑emission tech. The brand sees more marketing value and technological crossover in those arenas than in the gasoline‑heavy world of F1. So while you won’t see an Audi‑branded car on an F1 pit wall, the company is still shaping the future of motorsport.

Both manufacturers share a common theme: they’re chasing relevance in the areas that boost their brand the most. BMW wants to be seen as a leader in sustainable road cars, and Audi wants to dominate electric and endurance racing. That’s why their priorities sit outside Formula 1’s spotlight.

Looking ahead, could either brand ever hop back into F1? It’s possible, but only if the series reshapes its cost structure or offers hybrid technology that directly benefits their road‑car lineup. Until then, fans will keep cheering them in the series that matter most to their brand story.

So the next time you watch a Grand Prix and notice the absence of BMW or Audi, remember it’s less about disinterest and more about a calculated business move. They’re still very much part of the racing world, just not in the F1 paddock.