Imagine being forced to choose just three songs from a blockbuster soundtrack that’s packed with hits—it’s like picking your favorite child, right? But that’s exactly what the team behind F1, the summer blockbuster starring Brad Pitt as a Formula 1 driver, had to do for the Oscars. And here’s where it gets even more intriguing: they’ve selected tracks by Tate McRae, Ed Sheeran, and Doja Cat to compete in the Best Original Song category. But is this the right trio? Let’s dive in.
The F1 soundtrack, aptly titled F1 The Album, is a powerhouse, with seven tracks dominating Billboard’s Top Movie Songs chart. Yet, thanks to the Academy’s ‘Menken rule,’ introduced in 2008, films are limited to submitting just three songs—and no more than two can be nominated. Talk about a tough call! So, which songs made the cut? Let’s break it down.
First up is Tate McRae’s ‘Just Keep Watching,’ a pop anthem co-written with Tyler Spry and Ryan Tedder. This track isn’t just a banger—it’s a celebration of the glitz and adrenaline of F1 racing. It snagged ‘Song of the Summer’ and ‘Best Editing’ at the 2025 MTV VMAs, and McRae is currently slaying it on her ‘Miss Possessive Tour.’ With over 500 million global streams and platinum certification on the horizon, it’s a no-brainer for Oscar consideration. But here’s the kicker: can a pop anthem truly capture the essence of a high-stakes racing film?
Next, we’ve got Ed Sheeran’s ‘Drive,’ a rock-infused banger co-written with Blake Slatkin and John Mayer. Sheeran’s signature style meets old-school racer vibes, perfectly mirroring Brad Pitt’s character. With Mayer on guitar, Pino Palladino on bass, and Dave Grohl on drums, this track screams classic rock. It’s racked up 92 million streams, but does it have the emotional depth to stand out in a crowded Oscar field? And this is the part most people miss: the song’s retro sound might just be its secret weapon.
Finally, there’s Doja Cat’s ‘Lose My Mind,’ a collaboration with Ryan Tedder, Hans Zimmer, Caleb Toliver, and Grant Boutin. This track complements Zimmer’s electrifying score, echoing the racing team’s emotional rollercoaster. Performed alongside Don Toliver, it’s on track for gold certification with 315 million streams. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this song too tied to the film’s score to stand alone as a contender? Or does its fusion of genres make it a bold choice?
What’s fascinating is the history of Jerry Bruckheimer-produced films at the Oscars. From ‘Flashdance… What a Feeling’ to ‘Hold My Hand’ from Top Gun: Maverick, his soundtracks have a stellar track record. But with F1, the stakes feel higher. Are these three songs the right picks, or did the team leave a potential winner on the cutting room floor?
What do you think? Did the F1 team make the right call, or is there another track from the soundtrack that deserves Oscar glory? Let’s debate it in the comments!
