Ed Sheeran's F1 Thrills: "Terrifying" Hot Lap Inspires Hit Song

Ed Sheeran's passion for Formula 1 led him to co-write the electrifying F1 soundtrack song "Drive." This Grammy-nominated track, born from a "terrifying" hot lap experience with driver George Russell, captures the intense energy of the sport. Sheeran, along with collaborators Blake Slatkin and John Mayer, aimed to translate the exhilaration of racing into music.

The collaborative process was swift, with Sheeran delivering a demo just two days after receiving film dialogue cues. The song is characterized by its powerful riffs, inspired by Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love," and high-energy vocals, fulfilling director Joseph Kosinski's vision. John Mayer contributed the distinctive guitar riff that anchors the track.

Recording "Drive" involved an impressive lineup of musicians, including Dave Grohl on drums and Rami Jaffee on keys, alongside legendary bassist Pino Palladino. This "dream band" recorded the song live, infusing it with raw, old-school energy that impressed director Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, resulting in a perfect musical conclusion to the film's narrative.