Alt+F1: 02 - 03/18/2014 - Melbourne Mayhem

Really enjoyed this, guys! Had a great time watching the qualifying and race, will definitely try and keep up with it a bit more closely this year than my passing interest in previous years. It's a lot more interesting when you can discuss it with others with an interest, or even just listen to some of that discussion.

Those prawns look so good!

You....you are not a car guy.

@nasar7: Not really, no! I'm more of an eardrums guy, if pressed on the issue. Still, enough "car people" have said they prefer the new noise that I'm thinking the opinion is valid.

Definitely! I was going to suggest something similar, although I think it would carry as its own little video series with a few quali laps and a short race ;)

@nasar7: Cars are more than the sound they make. The most hardcore F1 fans I know don't mind it because they enjoy the sport. They're not watching it for the sounds of the engines. Hearing radio chatter, tires, ect is more interesting, IMO.

For those interested in a direct comparison (not sure if it's been posted before). These things aren't quiet by any stretch of the imagination. They're not as loud, but it's not worse either.
2013 vs 2014

@thatonedudenick: Agreed. There's far more to being a "car guy" than simply enjoying loud engine noises. And while they aren't as shouty as before, I really like the tone of the new engines. It's definitely weird after so many years to hear them sounding so different, but I like it so far.

I agree. But still, Even IndyCar sounds better at this point. I was half-joking and was really more smh-ing at the comparison of a V6 turbo engine to a "star wars-y" sound. Delightfully geeky.