FIA approves exhaust changes to make F1 engines louder in 2016

The sound of the cars has been heavily scrutinised since the new turbo hybrid engine formula was introduced at the start of 2014.

While plenty of investigations have taken place into altering the sound - including Mercedes testing a 'trumpet' exhaust last year - motorsport's governing body has finalised changes for next year.

An FIA statement following the latest WMSC meeting said: "For 2016, all cars must have a separate exhaust wastegate tailpipe through which all and only wastegate exhaust gases must pass.

"This measure has been undertaken to increase the noise of the cars and will not have any significant effect on power or emissions."

Several other minor changes have been made to F1 regulations, including clarifications regarding track limits during sessions.

The FIA said the sporting regulations now "specify that drivers 'must make every reasonable effort to use the track at all times and may not deliberately leave the track without a justifiable reason'".

However, penalties for track-limits infringements will continue to be based on whether a driver is judged to have gained an advantage.

A proposal from the F1 Commission regarding penalties for engine and gearbox changes was approved.

"Such penalties prior to qualifying will be applied based on the time of use," said the FIA.

"For changes made after qualifying, preference will be given to the driver whose team first informed the technical delegate that a change will occur."

Any driver who causes a start to be aborted will no longer be allowed to rejoin the grid for the restart, instead having to join the race from the pitlane when it resumes.

The rules governing windtunnel and CFD usage have also been clarified, "specifically focusing on reporting and inspection processes for these development tools".

Teams will now have to make sure their cars comply with all cockpit and safety equipment requirements during testing - including position of the driver's head, headrest padding, cockpit padding and ease of driver egress.

From 2017, mounting on board cameras on stalks on the noses of cars will be prohibited.