Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has said the series is evaluating options to add more noise to the spectacle with the 2030 engines.
In the early 2000s, F1 was one of the nosiest spectacles in motorsport, with high-revving, screaming V10s reaching beyond 20,000 rpm.
That was diluted slightly with the introduction of V8s in 2006 before being completely stifled by the V6 Hybrids in 2014.
An evolution of the V6 Hybrids is set to be introduced in 2026, with a 50/50 internal combustion (ICE) and electric power split, and the power units are louder than they were in 2014, but Domenicali is open to changing things in the future to make things even nosier.
“As soon as the 2026 regulations are defined, we will start to think about what the next steps will be, such as the 2030 engine,” said Domenicali to select media including Motorsport.com‘s Italian site.
“It is a personal consideration of mine, not yet shared with the teams, even if we have spoken about it with the FIA, that if sustainable fuels work, we will need to carefully evaluate whether to continue with hybrid (technology) or whether better solutions will be available.”
2026 brings with it the introduction of fully sustainable fuels to the ICE component of the F1 power units.
The advancement of sustainable fuels, that can drop into ICE power units with a carbon offset, has brought into question the necessity of hybrid systems.
One of the biggest issues with the hybrid system is the additional weight, which F1 and the FIA is trying to reduce in 2026.
A fully ICE power unit in 2030 could help solve F1’s weight issue whilst bringing with it a nosier spectacle.
“By keeping the hybrid power unit solution also for 2026, a significant increase in weight is inevitable,” said Domenicali.
“If we compare a prediction of the 2026 single-seater with a car from 10 years ago, we can see that weight has become a significant issue.
“All drivers would like to have lighter cars, and personally I would also like a slightly larger sound.
“On this last front, we are working to try to increase the number of decibels.
“From the research we are carrying out, it emerges that all markets, and all age groups, want a better sound as well as the energy and vibrations that only a certain type (of engine) is capable of transmitting when you are close to the track.”
V8s, V10s, V12s – the future of F1 could be loud.
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