Ed Sheeran’s ‘Drive’ roars to life as the surprise rock anthem of the F1 movie

Surprise Rock Anthem

Ed Sheeran surprised fans with “Drive”, a high-octane rock anthem crafted for F1: The Movie. The track, featuring a guitar-heavy sound and Sheeran’s gritty vocals, marked a sharp turn from his usual acoustic style. Shot on an actual racetrack, the official music video captured both real F1 energy and cinematic flair.

Released ahead of the film’s premiere, Drive quickly became a standout on racing playlists. Its powerful tone perfectly matched the speed and drama of Formula 1, setting a fierce tone for summer soundtracks.

A Dream Team Brought the Noise

Drive wasn’t just a solo effort. Ed Sheeran was backed by an A-list lineup including John Mayer on guitar, Dave Grohl on drums, Pino Palladino on bass, and Rami Jaffee on keys. Sheeran credited this “dream team” with helping him explore new creative territory and fully commit to the rock-driven theme.

Together, they created a song that did more than support the film—it helped define its pulse. Each contributor amplified the sense of urgency and adrenaline, making the track a defining piece of the F1 musical experience.

Scoring the Screen

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, F1: The Movie follows Brad Pitt as a retired driver, Sonny Hayes, who makes an unexpected return to the track. Sheeran said the emotional arc of Hayes’s character helped shape Drive, and the song mirrors the film’s narrative of speed, redemption, and intensity.

The video, released June 20, wove together Sheeran’s live performance with movie footage, delivering a cinematic fusion of action, passion, and sound.

Album Hits the Gas

Drive served as the lead single for F1: The Album, which dropped on June 27 alongside the movie. Featuring contributions from artists like Doja Cat, Chris Stapleton, ROSÉ, and Roddy Ricch, the album offered a genre-spanning musical experience curated by Atlantic Records and Apple.

Rather than just serving as background music, the album became a centerpiece of the film’s identity—evoking global speed, personal struggle, and emotional highs.

From Studio Jam to Arena Sound

Sheeran said Drive “fell out of us” during a spontaneous studio session with Mayer and producer Blake Slatkin. Grohl’s drumming and Mayer’s effects-heavy riffs gave the song its edge, transforming it into something more raw and urgent.

A self-proclaimed film fanatic, Sheeran said working on F1 was one of his most exciting projects yet—his passion clearly audible in every beat.

Track Record of Hits

This wasn’t Sheeran’s first foray into film music. He previously wrote “I See Fire” for The Hobbit, and with Drive, he proved once again that his songwriting can hit cinematic heights.

This time, however, he leaned into arena rock, showing fans a new side of his musical personality.

Video Speeds Ahead

The Drive music video offered intense visuals—cars tearing through tracks, engines roaring, and Sheeran right in the middle of it all.

Shot with high-speed cameras and stylized editing, it delivered high-impact visuals that matched the emotional and physical velocity of the film.

F1 Icons Got Involved

Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton also played a key role in curating F1: The Album, helping hand-pick artists and shape the album’s overall tone.

His influence added authenticity, bridging the gap between cinematic storytelling and real-world motorsport culture.

Global Sound, Global Reach

The album’s 17 tracks were tailored for a worldwide audience, featuring diverse artists and styles.

With contributions from Tate McRae, Don Toliver, and Peggy Gou, the soundtrack matched the movie’s international appeal and dual-distribution strategy between Atlantic and Apple.

Branding Goes Beyond Sound

Sheeran’s involvement extended past the music booth. He participated in F1 fan experiences, including VIP events and hot laps, further blending entertainment and sport.

His appearance at events like the Miami Grand Prix positioned him as an artist fully immersed in racing culture, not just a promotional figure.

Vinyl and Visuals

In addition to its digital release, Drive was also released as a limited carbon-neutral vinyl, aligning with F1’s sustainability goals.

Early numbers showed the single gaining traction across streaming charts, fan playlists, and even racing team walkouts.

Critical Pit Stop

Critics praised Drive for its boldness and authenticity. Reviews highlighted Sheeran’s willingness to shed his pop persona for something more raw and visceral.

Many saw it as one of his most exciting sonic shifts to date.

Fan Revs Online

Social media lit up after the release. Fans praised the “unexpected rock turn” and shared excitement over the racing visuals.

Many speculated about live F1 tie-ins. The buzz shows “Drive” is cross-generational, bringing Sheeran into new areas, race car fans, film buffs, and rock listeners, which can fuel both music and box office numbers.

Sheeran Enters F1 Culture

With its high-profile lineup, cross-industry partnerships, and emotionally resonant tracks, F1: The Album followed the trend of soundtracks driving cinematic narratives.

Much like Barbie: The Album, it demonstrated how music now plays a central role in shaping a film’s identity.

Soundtrack Signals Trend

The F1: The Album follows the trend set by recent hit soundtracks, proving music can shape a film’s identity just as much as visuals. Like Barbie’s chart-topping playlist, these albums serve as more than just extras; they’re key pieces of marketing.

This strategy turns music into an emotional driver. With F1, the soundtrack isn’t just support, it’s central to the movie’s impact and audience connection.

Capital’s Summertime Ball 2025 lineup is here, and it’s stacked with chart-toppers and surprises.

What’s Next

Stay alert, F1: The Album officially drops June 27, hitting the same day the highly anticipated racing film roars into theaters. The project promises more heavy-hitting singles from artists like Tate McRae, Don Toliver, Chris Stapleton, and others.

With music videos rolling out ahead of release, momentum is building fast. If Sheeran’s “Drive” keeps its traction, this could become one of summer’s standout soundtrack moments.

Meanwhile, another major act is shifting gears, find out why the Jonas Brothers just scrapped six stadium dates, including Dodger Stadium, and what their next move means for fans.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and with human editing.