Does Formula 1 racing and high end audio go together for anyone else?


I don't think nearly as many in the US are into F1 racing, as a sport, as others around the world are. At least that's my understanding. I just turned onto it a couple of years ago but really enjoy it a lot. I turned onto it the season before the big rivalry came to a head last year between my man Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. 

My big system is actually in my bedroom b/c I live in a high rise in an urban community and the other big reason is b/c acoustically it appears to be pretty good.

I'm obviously not a hard core purist, because I've got my seventy five inch big screen between my ML Summits. Anyway, I'm curious if F1 racing is a thing with anyone else and more interested in what others think about the way things are looking for Mercedes and more specifically Mr. Hamilton. 

I've been enjoying alternating between listening sessions and the practice sessions and the qualifying laps yesterday and would love to hear what others have to say about the distance b/w Verstappen and Hamilton leading p to the race today.

I find it kind of hard to feel sorry for Hamilton, personally, b/c he has a tendency to come off with such an air about him. At the same time, I do feel a little bit sorry for him b/c he appears to've lost his confidence on the track. I don't think he can blame his performance this weekend on the car. 

I'm also loving the competition Ferrari is showing Verstappen on the track right out of the starting gate this season.

I've found that audiophiles tend to have some similar traits in common as far as things we appreciate about life and I'm curious if anyone else around here enjoys F1 like I do? And especially thoughts about the rivalry b/w Verstappen and Hamilton and the season so far in general.

 

128x128tunefuldude

My I begin by saying two of my passions in life are F1 racing and Hifi.  Part of the allure of Formula One is the sound.  If you want a graphic demonstration, find Sterophile Test CD3.  It contains a binaural recording made at the 1992 Canadian GP (I was in attendance).  1992 was probably the zenith of for the beautiful sounds a race car can produce.  Two of the cars recorded had the F1 Lamborgini V12, which many contend was the finest sounding engine ever built.  Those that don't buy the Lamborgini story prefer the F1 Ferrari of the era which is also recorded on that test disc. These engines are turning about 12K to 13K.  A turbocharger has the effect of acting somewhat like a muffler; that is why current F1 and Indy cars do not sound as incredible as the cars of the past. Two people above yearned for the day F1 cars would be electric powered. Obviously, that would produce a sound like someone vacuuming a rug.  If that day ever comes me and about half of the current F1 fans will be "labyby."  Me?  I race cars with SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) and pit crewed for a CanAm car all in the '70s.  When I stopped driving I took up aerobatic flying.

@tunefuldude I purchased 2021 Supersport S in silk white. Dreamed about owning a Panigale, but can no longer stand the discomfort of the race replica machines. I often ride with a buddy who owns Aprilia RSV4, have no issues with keeping up in street riding at sane levels. For track riding I get the added power of the V4 machines, but for street riding I'm fine with what I have, 0-100mph of 6.5 is plenty for street riding between johnny law and unforeseen circumstances. You're right about the 2 valve engines having torque advantage at lower rpm, the lower power of these engines also means one can use all available power which is more fun vs. perhaps too easily getting over your head with a more powerful bike. I only rode Japanese sport bikes prior to this Ducati, always yearned for a Ducati since 1990's when I'd see them at various motorcycle meets. Also, always enjoyed the company of Ducati and BMW riders, even joined a BMW riding club at the time I was riding a Yamaha FZR100 back in the day.

 

  While fast cars are fun, fast bikes are a more visceral experience, the bike and my stereo can both provide this. I like F1 for it's pushing of technological limits, very similar pursuit to extracting maximum performance from my audio systems.

Great sound doesn’t just make music better it makes movies sports TV gaming etc all more enjoyable. When you watch racing you want to hear it. One reason why I enjoy vintage racing is the sound. Give a listen to the Beast of Turin sometime.

 

I started watching F1 about 5 years ago when Merc won most races and Max was the underdog. Through the years I have developed an appreciation for the mid field and enjoy watching some of the dog fights for 11- 10 as much as 1-2.

Yesterdays battle for 1-2 between RB/Ferrari was epic and I think this year will be incredibly competitive. Once Merc figures it out there should be 3 teams fighting for #1 and another 3 - 4 fighting in the midfield. McLaren is the Merc of the midfield right now but they'll get there. Alfa looks better with Bottas. Being from the US I have to root for Haas too which has looked more competitive this year. 

Speaking of high tech, have you checked out Haas? They make some of the most advanced automated machining in the world.