Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel has blasted the sport’s new V6 turbo engines for a lack of noise, saying the tracks were now quieter than most bars and that fans were missing out.

The German has dominated the sport for the last four years with the old V8 engines but his run of nine consecutive victories ended in Melbourne in the season-opening race two weeks ago when he retired with a reliability issue.

“I was on the pitwall during the race, and it is (quieter) than in a bar. I think for the fans it is not good,” he told reporters.

“I think F1 has to be spectacular and the sound is one of the most important things.”

Vettel said the deafening noise of the old Formula One engines had made a lasting impression when he first went to a race in Germany aged six.

“We went to see the cars live in free practice in Germany, and the one thing I remember was the sound,” the 26-year-old added.

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