It is understood the shape of the exhaust exit will be altered on the
Mercedes, which has quickly been dubbed a ‘megaphone’.
Providing the noise level is acceptable, and crucially the level of the car’s
performance is not compromised, it is almost certain to be introduced in the
short term.
Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff said: “I’m sure everybody is looking
forward to hearing what the ‘megaphone’ is going to be like.
“We were asked by the FIA and Bernie to put the device on the car, and
then to see if it really is effective.
“We’re pretty clear – if the fans want to have more noise, and if it’s
making the car not only sound better, but it’s perceived to be more
attractive, then we’ll go for it.
“Hopefully the other teams will vote in favour as well. As you know, as
it’s out of the technical regulations, if you want something implemented in
the season then you need a unanimous vote.
“There are not many times in the paddock when you have unanimous votes,
so that’s going to be an interesting one.”
The argument against is the sport has been forced to implement an artificial
element in order to increase the decibel level rather than the noise being
emitted naturally from the engine itself.
For the sake of the show, however, needs must for now, although Wolff can
appreciate the positive aspects of the tone from the current power units.
“It’s an interesting moment in time for Formula One,” added Wolff.
“Traditionally you would have said – and this is the first thought I had
– Formula One needs to be loud to be spectacular because this is why we are
here.
“Why are we making loud AMG cars? Because they sound spectacular, and it
somehow means power. Maybe now that’s changing.
“I had a discussion with someone the other day and we were looking at
GP3, and it is much louder than Formula One.
“Is that actually what we want to happen? He said ‘Yeah, I couldn’t take
my family to Formula One before, now I can’.
“Maybe the future is going to be the most powerful cars are not going to
be the most noisy ones. It’s about technology.
“Honestly, I don’t know where it’s going. I think we need to test it.
“Obviously we’re not talking about a loudspeaker on the back of the car.
It’s a change to the exhaust, which you see in road cars.
“We’ll then see if it’s more spectacular and how we perceive that.”