Theme songs from F1 and car races. Classic tracks that are also great for driving.
What kind of background music do you choose when you go for a drive? If you’re a fan of motorsports like F1, many of you might enjoy playlists that compile historic Formula 1 Grand Prix theme songs.
Even if you’re not deeply familiar with F1, these tracks are all full of exhilarating energy—perfect for driving.
Popular songs are often used in commercials and TV programs, so you might recognize them even if you don’t know their titles.
In this article, we’re bringing you a collection of theme songs from F1 and other car races.
Be sure to check out which bands and artists are behind them!
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Theme songs for F1 and car races. Classic tracks also recommended for driving (31–40)
GIMCRACKKEN HARADA
This is a song that was used as the opening theme for the 2011 F1 Grand Prix.
Its funky, easy-to-groove-to rhythm is really cool, and it’s a piece you can fall in love with even if you’re not a car racing fan.
Heart of earthKorekata Hirokuni
This is a piece that was used as Damon Hill’s theme song in the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Many of the songs composed by guitarist Hirokuni Korekata are beautiful, and this one adds a sense of beauty and grandeur that draws you in.
Good Morning SattelightDEAD END
In Japan’s heavy metal scene, DEAD END established numerous legends with an overwhelmingly original sound.
The quartet’s lineup—MORRIE, a vocalist who graduated from Kobe City University of Foreign Studies and brings an intellectual, philosophical worldview; YOU (Yuji Adachi), the renowned guitarist who sadly passed away in June 2020; “CRAZY” COOL-JOE, a bassist with a cool, quintessential rock-star vibe; and MINATO (Masafumi Minato), a drummer active as a session player—has earned respect from many bands, including those in the so-called visual-kei movement.
Their 1990 single Good Morning Satellite has an instrumental version that was used as Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher’s theme song.
Perhaps some of you didn’t realize it was a DEAD END track?
Into the ArenaMichael Schenker Group
Even just the opening, which kicks off with a heavy triplet guitar riff, is unbelievably thrilling and cool! This instrumental number, “Into the Arena,” is a bona fide classic that was even hailed after its release as a model for rock instrumentals.
It appears on the 1980 album “The Michael Schenker Group” (also known in Japan as “Kami [The Return of the Flying Arrow]”), which guitar legend Michael Schenker released after leaving Scorpions and forming his own band, M.S.G.
Despite its simple structure, the track packs in an unparalleled dose of guitar coolness and rock dynamism.
What’s great is that it impresses not with a tightly scripted solo, but with improvisation-driven playing.
The weeping guitar in the latter half is nothing short of a masterful performance.
The song was also used in 1997 as the theme for introducing the starting grid on Fuji TV’s F1 Grand Prix broadcasts.
Back to the LightBrian May
This is a song that was used as the ending theme for the 2006 Formula 1 Grand Prix.
It’s a solo piece by Brian May, the guitarist of the legendary band Queen, showcasing not only his guitar but also his talents as a vocalist and composer.
Theme songs for F1 and car races. Classic tracks also recommended for driving (41–50)
ClocksColdplay
This is a song that was used as the ending theme for the 2004 F1 Grand Prix.
It prominently features piano, and the vocalist’s calm voice is pleasing to the ear.
Immerse yourself in the grand musical style that is characteristic of Coldplay.
American IdiotGreen Day
Green Day, the world’s greatest punk rock band.
Since their debut in 1990, it goes without saying that they’re not only massively successful commercially but also a globally beloved band that continues to ambitiously push their sound while rooted in punk.
The beginning of their new golden era in the 2000s came with the 2004 album American Idiot.
The title track that opens the album is a quintessential Green Day classic: simple yet peerless, with a snappy guitar riff and tight rhythm working in perfect unison to drive it forward.
In Formula 1, it was used as the theme song for the 2011 season-opening Australian Grand Prix and has since been featured as an insert track in broadcasts.
Its punk-style speed and catchy melody fit perfectly as background music for car racing!