BMW have become the latest team to confirm they will not be pursuing with a Formula E programme after the end of this current season, with Audi announcing the same just days ago.
The German manufacturer has been a part of the all-electric championship for the past seven seasons and their departure has come as a shock to many.
In a statement, BMW said their reason for not continuing with Formula E as it enters its Gen 3 stage was because they had “exhausted the opportunity” for e-drivertrains.
“Our journey in Formula E is hitting the home stretch. After seven successful years, BMW Group will end its involvement in the series at the end of the coming season.
“As a partner from the word go, BMW has been instrumental in the success and story of Formula E. However, when it coins to the development of e-drivertrains, BMW group has essentially exhausted the opportunities for this form of technology transfer in the competitive environment of Formula E.”
“As the strategic focus of BMW Group is shifting within the field of e-mobility, we will now concentrate on a model offensive and series production in large quantities with the fifth generation BMW E-drives.
“Even though we are leaving, our sporting ambitions remain unbroken.
“In [the 2020-21] season, the BMW i Andretti Motorsport Team will give its all to achieve as much sporting success as possible with the BMW iFE and drivers Maximillian Günther and Jake Dennis.”
The team have competed in 69 races, earning themselves an impressive 14 podiums and four wins over the six seasons so far.
Inside Electric have reached out to BMW for comment. This article will be updated shortly.
