ilko

I really, really wanted to enjoy the race. In the end, it wasn't that interesting. I kept getting distracted by other things around me that would've usually gone unnoticed. The new F1 is just not that good. Fuel savings, tire management, poor sound... I'm still planning to go to Montreal again in June to see it in person. But this looks more like a controlled experiment than a racing series.

500

The one good thing is that the cars do have a lot of power and look harder to control.

The sound is a major let down. Old hands say we will get used to it etc., but I don't know.

That Youtube video comparing the sounds of the cars at the start of the 2013 and 2014 Australian Grand Prix really drives it home.

F1 is not what it used to be. How bad (or good?) a thing that is, time will tell.

CCA

Previously, F1 teams developed technologies to help them win races, to be better than their opponents. That brought us Anti-lock brakes, traction control, paddle shift, etc. Some of the things have been banned from F1, but have trickled down to street cars. This alternative drive crap has been a trickle up maditory push and I personally don't think it belongs in F1. If the FIA hope F1 will develop more efficient engines, then open up the regs a little bit and allow them to figure it out. Perhapes, if they mandate a small fuel tank, but allow refueling and open engine design. Teams will have the choice of either going very fast and making many more stops or going fast and making the fewest stops possible. In most cases, making more stops would be a race killer. Then they might have some development trickle down.

Adam@Autometrics

The sound is undeniably terrible, but I really like being able to hear the tires squeal. The reaction from the fans is also pretty cool.
It's not a trade-off I would choose, but at least its something.

consolidated

Funny to hear Buxton petition Bernie to reposition or add mics, turn up the sound mix, all but hire Jay Z to produce the soundtrack?

John H

One word. Autotune