Formula 1’s quieter engines have attracted a new audience to the sport, according to Malaysian Grand Prix organiser Razlan Razali.
The sport’s new hybrid-V6 engines were criticised for being too quiet, particularly by Australian GP chairman Ron Walker who said ‘F1 was no longer worth the money’.
Razali admits Walker’s comments were a concern and he himself was against the quieter engines as well, but he says there has been a positive from the change in the form of a new audience.
“We were concerned after the feedback from Australia, very concernded,” he told Reuters. “When it finally came to Malaysia, I didn’t like it. It was simply too quiet. But what I noticed in the grandstands is that you get families with kids watching and enjoying Formula One better.
“I can remember in the past where a dad would put headphones on the kid and hold it. Or a kid would be too scared and start crying, wanting to go home. I think it attracts a new breed of fanbase now. And that’s what you want.”
