A Composer’s Perspective: A Critical Look at the Score of F1: The Movie

Last week I watched F1: The Movie, a high-octane and emotionally charged tribute to one of the most extreme sports in the world. Scored by none other than Hans Zimmer, the soundtrack plays a central role in driving the film’s emotional arcs — from tension and heroism to reflection and triumph.

Zimmer is no stranger to fast-paced storytelling, and here he brings his signature blend of cinematic grandeur and electronic textures to the world of Formula 1.

Synths, Speed, and Suspense

One of the highlights of the score is Zimmer’s use of synths — especially motion-driven elements that reflect the relentless energy of racing. These rhythmic patterns inject tension and pulse, closely aligning with the visual pacing and mechanical aesthetic of Formula 1.

A standout example is “Red Flag,” which merges motion synths with col legno string textures. This creates a hybrid of electronic grit and orchestral drama that’s both suspenseful and grounded in the sonic world of modern scoring.

Emotional Arcs: Drama, Victory, and Reflection

Zimmer’s score navigates the emotional range of the film with effectiveness and subtlety. Tracks like “Three Laps Is A Lifetime” carry a sense of bittersweet triumph — a reminder of how fleeting glory can be in a sport built on risk and milliseconds.

Meanwhile, “Road to Recovery” and “Tell Me About Kate” delve into more introspective territory, with restrained textures and harmonies that gently underscore moments of personal struggle and vulnerability.

Familiar DNA

Zimmer’s musical fingerprints are unmistakable throughout the score. In fact, several moments echo the sonic world of "The Dark Knight" and "Interstellar" — with motion elements, dramatic builds, and minimalist harmonic language. While this gives the music an epic feel that suits the film’s intensity, it also makes parts of the score feel familiar to anyone who knows Zimmer’s previous work.

Thematic Contrast: Heroism or Just a Joyride?

The main theme — introduced in “F1” — is built primarily in the Dorian mode, which lends it a balanced sense of hope and seriousness. However, its presentation raises questions. The use of electric drums and a steady, feel-good rhythm gives the impression that the pilot is enjoying a casual drive rather than pushing boundaries at 200+ mph.

In my view, this track misses the opportunity to reflect the intensity, danger, and drama of elite racing. F1 is about pressure, unpredictability, and the edge of control — elements that are somewhat softened by the upbeat, controlled nature of this theme, in my opinion. The rhythmic drive doesn’t seem to follow the contour of the scene, where cars accelerate, tension builds, and emotional stakes rise.

That said, what ultimately matters is that the score works for the film, the director, and the studio. This creative direction may very well have been a deliberate choice or a specific request by the filmmakers — aiming to communicate something more personal, aspirational, or broadly accessible. As composers, we know that the musical narrative must align with the vision behind the story.

Final Thoughts

Hans Zimmer’s score for F1: The Movie is powerful, polished, and emotionally effective in many scenes. It amplifies the drama, adds momentum, and delivers several memorable moments — especially through its hybrid use of synths and orchestra.

This is a strong score overall, and Zimmer’s craftsmanship is undeniable. Whether you’re a fan of Formula 1 or film music in general, it’s worth a listen — both for its energy and for its subtler emotional threads.

If you’re inspired to create your own high-energy, cinematic cues, check out Strike Drums — my custom drum library designed for action, tension, and pulse-pounding moments. Perfect for scoring your next adrenaline-fueled scene.