WardenOfTheNorth wrote: ↑12 Jul 2025, 15:57
I've also heard them on days with multiple different age F1 cars running.
The older cars are louder, yes. They are so loud that trackside staff need ear protection and in headphones to use radios. Sure that's a type of character, but is it the best? Purely a matter of taste.
The newer cars are still so loud as to stop conversations while they pass, but not so loud as to risk damage to hearing. Trackside Comms also a lot easier.
And the big question, does the average fan care? Or do they just want good racing regardless of which loud PU is in the back?
My money is on the latter.
And all evidence so far suggests that the manufacturers want modern, more advanced PU as well.
I've already made the argument that manufacturers want these duller, more 'advanced' powertrains, so we dont need to go there. I get that part of it and why it's unlikely to ever change.
But I dont think there's any real denying how F1 has lost something special. The older car engines weren't just louder, they had real
character as well. The banshee-like wailing of an 18000rpm V10 is just something to behold. It puts a dang smile on your face.
To argue that quieter is better because some people might need to wear earplugs is like arguing that rock concerts should be played at half the volume so people can hear other talk better while a band is playing. It would be dire. The sheer potential need for ear protection is exactly part of the awe factor. It's amazing. I regularly just looked around after one of these monsters launched off the starting line at the FoS and it was just smiles and nods everywhere. Or another example, I heard this massive wailing in the paddock section and went to see a Benetton being tested and revved with a massive crowd surrounding it. As I got underneath the tent with some others, I totally needed to stick my fingers in my ears, but you know what? That whole crowd was gathered
specifically to hear the absolute immensity of that V10. It was the noise that people were attracted to.
You're never gonna convince me that these quieter, lifeless engines are what people actually
prefer. Maybe plenty of people are just normalized to it and accept it, but again, that makes the point that these same folks wouldn't complain if the engines were louder and more impressive, either.