The Weekly Grapevine: Why BMW pulled the plug
As Formula 1 comes to terms with the bombshell news that BMW is leaving the sport at the end of the year, Dieter Rencken looks at the reasons why one of grand prix racing's heavy-hitters might have come to such a decision
With Honda exiting Formula 1 in December last year and BMW announcing its departure at seasons-end, the prevalent question during Formula 1's summer break is obviously 'Who's next?'.
While some seasoned observers suggest the likes of Toyota and Renault are already checking the whereabouts of the sport's emergency exits, others believe that the departure of Honda and BMW could have swayed the balance, if for no other reason than that their departures mean there is one less car brand to beat/be embarrassed by.
Honda's announcement was met with utter disbelief and, when late on Tuesday night it became apparent that BMW intended to follow the Japanese company out of the door, the sense of incredulity in F1 circles ran equally high.
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