“Drive (From F1® The Movie)”: Ed Sheeran Unleashes a High-Octane Rock Anthem
“Drive (From F1® The Movie),” a bold new single from Ed Sheeran, roared onto the scene on June 19, 2025, as a pivotal component of the official soundtrack for the highly anticipated F1: The Movie, which stars none other than Brad Pitt.
This track marks a notable departure from Sheeran’s recognizable acoustic pop sound, instead embracing a full-throttle rock intensity that perfectly mirrors the adrenaline and drama inherent in Formula 1 racing.
The single, a product of collaboration with producers Blake Slatkin and John Mayer, features an all-star lineup of musicians, including John Mayer on guitar, Dave Grohl pounding the drums, Pino Palladino laying down the bass, and Rami Jaffee commanding keyboards and organ.
The result is a hard rock, bluesy rock anthem imbued with undeniable stadium qualities. Lyrically, the song is a high-energy testament to escape, pure speed, and the exhilaration of new beginnings, with lines like “We can ride, four wheels you and I, gotta get out of here” and the repeated, driving chorus: “Pedal down and drive, drive, pedal down and drive.”
Themes of freedom, resilience, and the sheer thrill of the open road permeate the track. Sheeran himself adopts a raspier, more aggressive vocal tone, stepping away from his characteristic soft ballads.
The accompanying music video, directed by Chris Villa, features breathtaking high-speed race footage from F1: The Movie, intercut with powerful visuals of Sheeran performing in a wind tunnel and directly on racetracks, all perfectly capturing the cinematic energy of Formula 1.
The collaboration has been widely praised for its sheer intensity, the exceptional musicianship, and Sheeran’s bold willingness to experiment with a rock sound, drawing comparisons to classic rock bands and iconic stadium anthems.
“Drive” stands out as a flagship track on F1: The Album soundtrack, which also features a diverse array of artists including ROSÉ, Tate McRae, Burna Boy, and Tiësto.
Quotable Lyrics:
Flyin’ through the city with the speakers up loud
Speedin’ by with the top down
Fast lane, livin’ till they put me in the ground
And I don’t wanna stop now
I’ll be gone with the click of a finger
Say the word, give a call, I’ll be comin’ back around
Flyin’ through the city, I got God on my side
But the real world is not far
Push to the limit, I’ll be burnin’ all night
Gettin’ tailed by a cop car
Pull away, wind blowin’, now I’m cruisin’
Put the past in the past, a new day is comin’
