Formula 1 adopted a quieter sound when it ditched naturally-aspirated V8 engines for 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid power units in 2014, leading to criticism from drivers, teams and fans.

In the early stages of the 2014 season, a 'megaphone' exhaust was trialled by Mercedes, in a bid to boost noise levels, but there was little audible difference.

Formula 1's commercial chief, Sean Bratches, has now outlined a new project, which will involve a ceramic microphone being attached to a car's exhaust set-up.

"One of the things that we want to amplify going forward are the sounds of the sport, because they are viscerally moving to fans and critically important in all the research that we do," he told Reuters.

Award-winning Australian producer David Hill, formerly of Fox Sports, is involved in the project.

"He's working with a German concern to develop a ceramic microphone that we can actually adhere to the exhaust pipe to get the true amplification of sound for fans," added Bratches.

Formula 1 has yet to confirm plans for its next engine cycle, which will begin in 2021, though a "broad agreement" was reached earlier this year to introduce simpler, cheaper and noisier engines.

FIA President Jean Todt has already ruled out returning to older-style engines.