I have been to more than a few F1 races live, and the old V12 and V10 and V8 sounds were simply too loud. Me and my son used foam ear plugs and over the ear protectors both and still we felt the sound, not just heard it. I am glad we did or I would not be in the audio business right now. WHAT ??? Please speak up.
Its the technology, driver skill, team skill, and overall atmosphere I enjoyed live, not just the much higher sound levels then a rock concert.
Nobody complains about turbocharged Indy cars being too quiet. Remember a turbocharger is a great big muffler, very effective at it.
Frank VA