Mercedes: A “megaphone” for F1 tested after the Spanish Grand Prix

After the Spanish Grand Prix, the second of the four private testing sessions during the season will be held (the first having taken place in Bahrain, after the Grand Prix). These tests will have an additional interest beyond the simple question of sports performance as a new exhaust, intended to make more noise than the current one, will be tested. This test will be conducted by Mercedes.

Autosport reveals that the decision to evaluate such a solution during the two days in Barcelona was made following a meeting that took place earlier this week between engine manufacturers and the FIA. The issue of noise from the V6 turbo hybrid engines used this season in Formula 1 has been raised numerous times at the beginning of the season, particularly by the sport’s fans and especially by the Grand Prix promoters, some of whom have expressed their concerns strongly.

Mercedes has already conducted research on this issue: a component would extend the current exhaust and act like a megaphone to amplify the sound at the engine’s output. A solution already tested by the German manufacturer on test benches, with encouraging results. Henceforth, it is on the track that this solution will be tested.

The FIA will evaluate the system as part of an analysis aimed at introducing changes later in the season. Such a solution would allow, if it works, to avoid making modifications to the engine itself, which could affect the competitiveness of each unit, and thus garner unanimous support.