Paul Jeffrey
Premium
AMG Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has echoed many Formula One fans opinions by recently stating it is "essential" that Formula One have louder engines in the future.
Since the Hybrid generation of Formula One engines made their debut in 2014 many fans have been left cold by the relatively quiet noise output of the current units, feeling that one of the most essential aspects to the Grand Prix experience has been lost somewhat in the quest to conquer new technologies by the racing manufacturers.
Producing impressive performance and fuel economy in comparison to the traditional combustion engine of years past, the current Hybrid just doesn't sound fast and gone is the sometimes violent and brutal screams of high revving V8's / 10's and 12's of previous seasons.
Understandably Formula One needs to stay ahead of the technology trends, but at what cost should this be achieved asks some of the fans and insiders alike. In a recent statement it appears that AMG Mercedes head man Toto Wolff is inclined to agree with those voices raising concerns about the audio element of Formula One racing.
"Why do people say 'rev the engine and go, go go'?" said Wolff. "With everything going hybrid on the road, going efficient, and going autonomous, watching racing cars is still an audio-visual exercise.
"You can see the cars going fast, but the sound is very important. It gives us the perception of power and speed.
"I think maybe with the current generation of engines we have forgotten to take care about this point.
"You can see the cars going fast, but the sound is very important. It gives us the perception of power and speed.
"I think maybe with the current generation of engines we have forgotten to take care about this point.
Targeting the next raft of regulation changes due when the current Concorde Agreement expires at the end of 2019, Wolff is keen to ensure the element of engine noise is taken into account by the decision making parties responsible for drafting the next set of rules in which Formula One must adhere.
"Having said that, I don't think it is completely bad. But with 2020, when we do the new engines, quality of sound should be an essential part. It is very important."
"We are having a situation in F1 of having four major car constructors that are supplying engines," said Wolff.
"You can choose from the best sportscar producer in the world, Ferrari; the best global road brands, Honda, Renault, and probably the number one premium brand Mercedes – of course!
"That is a situation that didn't exist in many eras of F1, that we have four possible suppliers, so if we can find a formula that allows an independent engine supplier to enter F1 after 2020 that is good".
"I am 110 percent convinced that F1 needs to be a technology formula – that bolting in an eight -cylinder naturally aspirated engine is not the way we should go because F1 would lose its DNA. It needs to be the most powerful, the fastest possible engine and where the best technology goes."
"We are having a situation in F1 of having four major car constructors that are supplying engines," said Wolff.
"You can choose from the best sportscar producer in the world, Ferrari; the best global road brands, Honda, Renault, and probably the number one premium brand Mercedes – of course!
"That is a situation that didn't exist in many eras of F1, that we have four possible suppliers, so if we can find a formula that allows an independent engine supplier to enter F1 after 2020 that is good".
"I am 110 percent convinced that F1 needs to be a technology formula – that bolting in an eight -cylinder naturally aspirated engine is not the way we should go because F1 would lose its DNA. It needs to be the most powerful, the fastest possible engine and where the best technology goes."
So with an eye on remaining ahead of the technology of today, but with a renewed focus on giving fans trackside and watching on TV an enjoyable and emotional experience, plus the renewed willingness to think outside the box and cater to the paying audience by Liberty Media, 2020 could well see a shift back towards the Formula One 'experience' so desired by fans who remember hearing a Ferrari V12 roar past the pits at close to 20,000rpms.
For myself, any improvement to the audio experience just cant come soon enough.
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Do you agree with Wolff that engines in Formula One need to be louder in future? Are you happy with the current Hybrid rules in Grand Prix racing? Let us know in the comments section below!
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