The FIA is not surprised by BMW’s decision, nor is Ecclestone

The FIA – Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile – stated it was unsurprised by BMW’s decision to leave Formula 1 at the end of the 2009 season and even blamed team directors for not wanting to accept cost-cutting measures. According to Max Mosley, the withdrawal of a team was bound to happen sooner or later…

BMW held a press conference this morning to inform the media and press of its withdrawal from Formula 1 at the end of the 2009 season. Following this press conference, the FIA issued a press release stating that it regretted the fate BMW assigned to its F1 team, but that it was not a greater surprise than that.

There is indeed a moment or another where the economic crisis was bound to have an impact on Formula 1. As a result, car manufacturers cannot continue to want to maintain such high budgets. When you see the number of potential layoffs or factory closures.

« This is why the FIA is preparing a report to drastically reduce costs in Formula 1. These measures are necessary for the survival of the current F1 teams and that of the new entrants next year. » The statement continues.

For several months, the FIA and the teams – with the FOTA – have been in conflict to find the right balance between cost reduction and maintaining the spectacle in F1. According to the FIA, the opposition shown by the FOTA threatens other teams: « Our new rules do not satisfy the leaders of the current teams, yet it is the only way to prevent further team withdrawals in F1… New rules are being studied to promote the development and entry of a team into the championship and to reduce the budgets necessary for F1… »

For his part, Bernie Ecclestone was also not surprised by the decision made. In an interview on BBC 5 Radio, he explained: « When I recently spoke with Theissen, he admitted that he had been given three years to win the F1 championship. »

« They were quite confident to make it, but ultimately year after year, the competition was very difficult to beat and maybe that’s the reason for this departure. » concluded the 79-year-old Briton.