Formula 1 should not be trying to turn up the volume of its 'power units', according to Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul.

Ever since the hybrid era began in 2014, fans have lamented the new sound and the sport's authorities have vowed to rev it up for the future.

Yet Abiteboul said that quiet engines are simply a sign of the power units' incredible efficiency.

"The exhaust sound is energy," the Frenchman told Canadian radio Rive-Sud de Montreal.

"If we begin to convert more energy into sound, then we will not achieve a good result in terms of energy efficiency.

"A loud sound from the engine and the economy of the engine are two conflicting goals."

Abiteboul said that a better approach would be to wait for the next generation of F1 fans to better appreciate energy efficiency.

"A generation of fans who have never heard V10 or V8 engines will soon grow up, and for them quiet engines will be the norm," he said.

"Perhaps Formula 1 moved from one stage to the next too quickly and today is somewhat ahead of its time."

The new F1 season begins next month with the Australian Grand Prix.