Ed Sheeran’s latest track “Drive” isn’t just another addition to his repertoire—it’s a full-throttle departure from his usual acoustic comfort zone. The song, destined for the upcoming F1 movie soundtrack dropping next summer, assembles a pit crew of musical legends that reads like a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame roster.
Picture this: John Mayer wielding his guitar with characteristic finesse, Dave Grohl hammering away at the drums with that raw Foo Fighters energy, and the legendary Pino Palladino (yeah, the same guy who’s powered The Who and Eric Clapton’s rhythm sections) holding down the bass line. Throw in Foo Fighters’ Rami Jaffee on keys, and you’ve got yourself a supergroup that most producers can only dream about.
The track marks a serious gear shift for Sheeran. Gone are the gentle strums and polished pop productions that dominated his earlier releases. This is Sheeran in overdrive, crafting what he describes as a “proper rock song”—the kind that begs to be cranked up to eleven while tearing down an open highway.
What’s particularly fascinating about “Drive” is how organically it came together. According to Sheeran’s recent Billboard interview, the creative process was smoother than a Formula 1 car gliding through Monaco’s hairpin turn. Working alongside Mayer and producer Blake Slatkin, the song practically wrote itself. There’s something beautifully unscripted about Mayer’s approach—just slapping on an octave pedal and letting loose, creating that signature riff that’ll probably be stuck in everyone’s head through 2025’s summer blockbuster season.
But this isn’t just another paycheck project for Sheeran. “Movies are my hobby,” he confessed, displaying an almost fanboy-like enthusiasm for being part of the filmmaking process. It’s refreshing to see an artist of his caliber still getting genuinely excited about new creative ventures.
The track finds itself in good company on F1: The Album, sharing space with an eclectic mix of artists. From Don Toliver featuring Doja Cat to ROSÉ, Chris Stapleton, and Burna Boy—the album’s as diverse as the international circus that is Formula 1 racing itself. Atlantic Records has set the green light for June 27, perfectly timed with the film’s theatrical launch.
“Drive” feels like more than just another movie soundtrack contribution—it’s a high-octane fusion of motorsport adrenaline and rock and roll spirit. In a world where streaming algorithms often dictate musical direction, there’s something wonderfully authentic about this collaboration. It’s the sound of musicians actually playing together, creating something that captures both the technical precision and raw excitement of Formula 1 racing.
And isn’t that what great rock and roll is all about?
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