Last year in Montreal, just before the thrill of the Canadian F1 Grand Prix, an intriguing conversation unfolded. Chatting with fellow acousticians over an evening beer, I was surprised to learn they were preparing for the race not just with excitement, but also with ear plugs and muffs for hearing protection. It was a moment of realization – I hadn’t fully grasped just how loud Formula 1 Cars truly are. At that Montreal race, acoustic engineer Craig Dolder conducted sound measurements, revealing peak levels nearing a staggering 140 dB, a level that surpasses the human pain threshold [1].
From Roaring V8s to Turbocharged V6s: A Sound Shift in Formula 1
The 2014 season marked a significant turning point for formula 1 cars, particularly in their auditory profile. The iconic, high-pitched scream of the previous V8 engines was replaced by the deeper, more subdued tones of the new 1.6-litre V6 turbo engines. This change wasn’t met without controversy. Headlines emerged, like ‘Bernie Ecclestone admits to being ‘horrified’ by quiet engines on new F1 cars’ [2], reflecting a widespread sentiment that something vital had been lost in the sonic experience of Formula 1.
According to the FIA, the sport’s governing body, the sound pressure level of these new engines was indeed measured to be approximately 11 decibels lower than their predecessors, registering at 134 dB compared to the older 145 dB [3]. In acoustics, a 10-decibel reduction is generally perceived as a halving of loudness. However, it’s crucial to note that both the older and newer formula 1 cars still produce noise levels well within the range capable of causing pain and potential hearing damage [4].
A comparison video on YouTube vividly illustrates this difference (although it’s worth noting that the 2013 recording appears to suffer from microphone overload). The shift is not just about volume; it’s about the very character of the sound. The piercing scream was exchanged for an engine sound that some likened to a superhero’s vehicle from a movie.
The Science of Sound: Frequency and Fan Perception
The older V8 engines generated sound predominantly within the 500 – 2500 Hz frequency range. This is a critical zone for human hearing, as it’s where our ears are most sensitive, and notably, it’s also where human screams resonate. The newer engines, however, operate with their energy concentrated about an octave lower in the frequency spectrum. This shift moves the engine noise away from the ear’s most sensitive range and below the typical frequency of a human scream. This change in frequency is a key reason why many fans reported a less “visceral” and impactful auditory experience with the new generation of formula 1 cars.
To visually represent this change, consider the spectra comparing onboard recordings of 2013 and 2014 cars, as shown below.
Spectator Experience: Quieter Cars, Different Atmosphere?
An interesting observation from the YouTube video comparison is that spectators in 2014 seemed less inclined to wear hearing protection. If this is indeed a widespread trend, it implies that while the cars are quieter, fans might be exposed to higher overall sound levels simply by forgoing ear protection.
As an F1 enthusiast, the preference in sound is subjective. However, the reduced intensity and altered frequency of the newer formula 1 cars undeniably offer a different auditory experience. While some may miss the raw, ear-splitting shriek of the V8 era, others might appreciate a race day where they can enjoy the spectacle without the need for constant hearing protection. Ultimately, the sound of formula 1 cars continues to be a fascinating aspect of the sport, constantly evolving with technological and regulatory changes.
References
[1] http://www.livescience.com/41684-formula-1-racing-noisy.html
[2] http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/f1-bernie-ecclestone-admits-to-being-horrified-by-quiet-engines-on-new-f1-cars-9198886.html
[3] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/10694678/Australian-Grand-Prix-2014-Battle-of-the-engines-and-predicted-rain-five-things-to-look-out-for-Melbourne.html
[4] http://www.sfu.ca/sonic-studio/handbook/Threshold_of_Pain.html
