Why is BMW no longer in F1?
Combined with the global financial recession and the company’s frustration about the limitations of the contemporary technical regulations in developing technology relevant to road cars, BMW chose to withdraw from the sport, selling the team back to its founder, Peter Sauber. Combined with the global financial recession and the company’s frustration about the limitations of the contemporary technical regulations in developing technology relevant to road cars, BMW chose to withdraw from the sport, selling the team back to its founder, Peter Sauber.BMW returned to the top category of endurance racing in 2024 after a long hiatus. The company is also active in several other series, ranging from the German Touring Car Championship to the Superbike World Championship, but it’s been totally absent from Formula 1 for nearly two decades.
Why is number 17 banned in F1?
Banned F1 driver number Some driver numbers are banned or unavailable due to various circumstances. For example, car number 17 isn’t available as a mark of respect to Jules Bianchi, who unfortunately suffered a fatal crash in 2014. Why is number 17 banned in F1? As a tribute to Jules Bianchi, who tragically lost his life in a crash in 2014, car number 17 remains retired from Formula 1.F1 drivers are allowed to choose a number between 2 and 99, which remain theirs for the duration of their career in the sport.Drivers were initially allowed to choose any number from 2 through 99; number 1 is reserved for the World Drivers’ Champion. The number 17 was retired in 2015 as a mark of respect to Jules Bianchi, who died that year from injuries sustained in a crash at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix while carrying the number.Permanent numbers began in 2014, allowing drivers to choose a unique number for their entire F1 career — except for #1, which is reserved for the reigning World Champion. Jules Bianchi, the only number ever officially withdrawn from use in Formula 1.Currently, drivers are allowed to pick their own number for their career from 0, 2 through 99. Only the World Champion is allowed to use number 1.