Formula 1 is set to ignite the roar of its engines once again with the introduction of new regulations in 2026, according to the sport’s CEO.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton recently confessed his nostalgia for the booming sound produced by the pre-2014 normally-aspirated engines, expressing his desire for powerful cars that generate a symphony of noise.
“If we can have clean efficient cars that make lots of noise like the old ones, then that would be pretty cool,” he said.
Fulfilling Hamilton’s wish, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali aims to capture the essence of the sport’s heritage in the upcoming 2026 regulations. These rules will enhance the electric or ‘hybrid’ component of the current power units, resulting in a harmonious blend of efficiency and the captivating acoustics fans crave.
Domenicali, an ardent advocate of the sport’s auditory allure, stressed the importance of amplifying the engine noise, emphasizing its emotional significance to both competitors and spectators alike. The Italian executive delightfully described it as “music for my ears,” underscoring the fervor behind this initiative.
“The intention is to make sure in the new regulation the engine (noise) itself will be higher because that’s part of our emotion,” the Italian told Australian radio 3AW. “It’s music for my ears.
“It is really what our fans want to hear and that’s the duty for us to commit to that.”
While acknowledging the shift towards quieter engines since the 1990s, Domenicali acknowledged that the forthcoming changes will reverse this trend.
In the past, Formula 1 cars were powered by thunderous 12-cylinder engines that resonated at a different frequencies, producing an exhilarating symphony of sound.
Over time, the number of cylinders decreased, but Domenicali expressed confidence that the engine noise will once again rise to capture the imagination of fans worldwide.
“It’s true that we had the 12 cylinders,” said the former Ferrari team boss. “It was a different frequency, very loud.
“And then 10, eight, six (cylinders). It’s not (going) down again.”
