Felipe Massa says it is “too late” to do anything about the noise of the latest generation of Formula 1 engines, following criticism from fans and drivers after the first race.
Many fans have criticized the muted sound produced by the category’s new V6 engines, while world champion Sebastian Vettel publicly lamented the loss of the old V8 motors in Malaysia on Thursday.
Williams driver Massa, on the other hand argues critics should accept the new notes as a necessary side-effect of the sport’s desire to introduce more energy-efficient and road-relevant technology.
Vettel criticizes 2014 F1 engine sound
“Two years ago, when they decided to change the engine, it was the first thing everybody said: The sound was going to be different. Now it’s too late,” Massa said. “It’s impossible to hear the turbo and engine showing the same sound as the V8. They can do everything they want but you will never hear a sound like the V8.
“They believe it was the right thing to do for the technology, so this is how it is and now it’s too late to change the noise.”
SHOW WILL GET BETTER
While agreeing with some critics that the first race was not great to watch, Massa is sure things will improve in the coming races.
“We cannot see the race now [is] like it’s going to be in the middle of the season,” said the Brazilian, who watched the Australian GP after getting taken out by Kamui Kobayashi’s Caterham on the first lap in Melbourne. “It was not a great race to watch, but I’m sure things will get better race by race.
“You see some teams suffering more than others with new regulations, but in the middle of the season everything will get like we were having last year.”
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