I see it this way; First and foremost BMW is leaving because KERS was scrapped. BMW had always been the biggest supporter of this technology and invested heavily in it as it was in clear harmony with their business philosophy of technology exchange with their production cars. With an emphasis on sustainability and effeciency, BMW was looking forward to the future of F1 with KERS.

The second reason is somewhat linked with the first; BMW is leaving because of instability in the rules/corruption and negative press with F1. A great example is the legalization of the ILLEGAL rear trick diffuser which was underhandedly legalized by the FIA (just for the purpose of ‘mixing things up a bit’). SO successful was the F1.09 this year that at the first few races it was actually keeping near the pace set by BRAWN (without the benefit of an illegal diffuser)!!! Infact, they nearly WON a race until Kubica was hit by Vettel while running in SECOND position ON MERIT – his lap times were blazing and if maintained to the last lap he would have caught Button on failing tires, and possibly passed him for the win! People are saying BMW is leaving because they failed this year?! Hardly! BMW put an amazingly fast car together, but instability in the rules screwed them severely (along with Ferrari, McLaren, etc.), KERS was eliminated, etc, etc, BMW does not wish to make a long term investment in a series with regular flip-flop rule changes (and noted corruption in the governing body)… not a major factor but I agree that the whole Mosley Nazi thing and then Bernie’s praise of Hitler probably didn’t encourage them to stay with such a controvertial series. F1 is always making negative news – hopefully that changes in the future.

Lastly, it would be fair to state costs as a reason, but it’s only fuel to the fire – it’s not the fire. BMW stated a re-focusing of F1 resources into other feilds of more practical development – this is actually good news in that you have some of the best F1 engineers working on your next car… : ) I dearly hope that BMW will leave a portion of their F1 resources to other fields of motorsport, including LeMans and Superbike.

BMW will never lose the 20 F1 Wins and 34 pole positions, fastest race laps or the F1 Drivers title they won. What they achieved in the last 3 seasons was incredible by anyones standards!!! They will always remain a storied F1 competitor and nothing rules out a return to the sport if the sport changes to suit their profile in years to come. BMW can be proud of their F1 success and leave with their heads high.