BAR must today begin their search for a new driver after Jenson Button successfully talked his way out of the team.
Button signed a contract with Williams for 2005 last week but BAR disputed the legality of the deal, threatening to take the case to court.
However, BAR chief David Richards must now find a replacement for Button after the 24-year-old met his boss to explain his decision and how he was able to escape a contract with the Brackley-based team.
Button admits regret at the manner of his departure from BAR, especially after both team and driver enjoyed an unprecedented run of success.
However, he claims to be focused on continuing the season with BAR and has vowed to score as many points as possible as the team battle for second spot in the constructors' championship
"I have worked hard and contributed seven podiums and 61 of the team's 76 points this season," he said.
"Drivers are changing teams up and down the paddock at the moment - an accepted and fundamental element of our sport - and I wish that my return to Williams would have been less acrimonious in light of the contribution I have made to BAR this season.
"Now that I have met with David and we have both had the opportunity to express our points of view, the most important matter is that the hard work and commitment to racing from everybody in Brackley is repaid with strong results for the remainder of the season, which I have every intention of doing."
Neither Richards nor BAR have yet to make any official comment on the meeting but they will start the week with a hole in their 2005 driver line-up.
Current tester Anthony Davidson has the strongest claim to the seat but David Coulthard and Mika Hakkinen are also in the running.
PA