BMW F1 History

BMW is the iconic brand that is known for producing high performance luxury automobiles. In this article, we take a look at the BMW F1 history or lack thereof.

Formula One is often called the pinnacle of motor racing. While this is debatable, it is certainly undisputed that F1 is where the top technology based racing takes place. The cars are incredibly sophisticated and much of the technology developed is translated to the modern road vehicle in one form or another. Given this, it is hardly a surprise to find all the major manufacturers in the sport at one point or another.

What is BMW’s F1 history? The answer will surprise you. BMW does not have much of a history in the sport. BMW has dabbled in F1, but not historically as a racing team. Instead, it has supplied engines off and on to other teams. This included engines for the Brabham Team in 1983, the Arrow Team from 1984 to 1986 and the Benetton Team as well in 1986.

The late 1990s saw BMW take a real interest in Formula One beyond just being an engine supplier. The team signed an engine supply agreement with the highly successful independent Williams Team. Unlike previous forays, the agreement called for a close development relationship. It was one that undoubtedly allowed BMW to watch and learn much from Williams on chassis development and team dynamics.

The BMW Williams F1 Team was moderately successful. The team won a handful of races with 2003 being the best year. The team finished second in the constructor’s championship and driver Juan Pablo Montoya was also able to finish second in the driver’s championship.

The 2004 and 2005 seasons were disasters. The relationship between BMW and Williams broke down in a very public way. BMW finally had enough and purchased the Sauber F1 Team. It dumped Williams and took total control of the new team for the 2006 season. It named the team BMW Sauber F1, but had total control unlike the situation with Williams.

BMW set out a plan of progress over a number of years for the new team. It followed it to the T. As scheduled, the team picked up its first victory in the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix when Robert Kubica won the race. Even better, the team obtained the valued 1-2 finish as second driver Nick Heidfeld came in second position. The team would challenge for wins much of the year with Kubica leading the driver’s championship at the halfway point of the season. Alas, the team would fade at the end of the 2008 year, but the future seemed bright.

The 2009 Formula One Season saw a host of technological rule changes. The teams were essentially left designing entirely new cars for the season. Some teams did well. Some teams missed the boat. BMW, unfortunately, missed the boat and has had what can only be considered a horrific season. The team has never challenged for a win and sits third from last in the team points. In a smart move, the team appears to be spending the remainder of the 2009 season working on developments for the 2010 car.

The BMW F1 history is a fleeting one at this point. That being said, there is little doubt that the team stands on the cusp of great success in the sport. The disastrous 2009 season appears to be more of a hiccup than a trend and one can expect the team to return to competitiveness in 2010.

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