The rules this year are a huge change from the past, and Mercedes has figured out it all out much better than any other team. They have been completely dominant this season, but that is actually the norm for F1. The last few years it was Red Bull that owned the series, this year it is the Silver Star. You can't really blame the rules for that.
If you like really loud engines, go to the drag races or a NASCAR race. MotoGP is extremely loud as well.
connie14boy, notice that the first three drivers on your list of the greats all were killed racing, and Lauda was very badly burned. At least it is much safer for the drivers these days!
I don't disagree with that at all. And I'm all for the safety rules including things to limit the speed. But IMO the rules have become too restrictive in terms of diversity of engineering. I miss the days when you could tell that the V12 Matra was coming just form the sound. Or the innovation of the 6 wheel Tyrell even though it was unsuccessful it was entertaining to see the diversity of solutions. And most of all, I miss the sound. Not the volume as much of the note.
This is what I'm talking about:
http://youtu.be/jS4Dh_EAfJIIf they ever want me to spend hundreds of dollars going to an F1 race again, they will have to bring back the music. And I don't think I'm alone.