The start of the new Formula 1 season has ignited a somewhat unexpected noise related debate. The new F1 cars feature V6 turbo engines with extensive energy recovery systems. Moreover the cars must complete races using no more than 100kg (about 130 litres) of fuel. As a consequence the F1 cars are much quieter and this has sparked criticism from both the fans and the CEO of Formula One Bernie Ecclestone alike who has claimed that F1 engines should ”sound like racing cars”. However others have cited that technological changes are an inherent feature of F1. On the flip side these technological changes in F1 are likely to lead to positive consequences with regards to general traffic noise in society.
