Hollywood’s award season just got more exciting, as three of the biggest names in global music — Tate McRae, Ed Sheeran, and Doja Cat — are officially in the running for the Best Original Song Oscar. The creative team behind F1, the summer blockbuster starring Brad Pitt as a Formula 1 race car driver, has submitted three standout tracks for Academy Award consideration: “Just Keep Watching,” “Drive,” and “Lose My Mind.”
According to Cast Insider’s exclusive report, these submissions mark F1 as one of the strongest musical contenders at the upcoming Oscars — a film whose soundtrack has already dominated the charts and fueled fan excitement worldwide.
F1 Soundtrack Racing Toward Oscar Glory
The F1 soundtrack, produced by Apple and Warner Bros., has been one of the year’s most talked-about musical compilations. Seven of its adrenaline-pumping tracks cracked the top ten on Billboard’s Top Movie Songs chart, showcasing how powerfully the film’s music connected with audiences.
However, the production team had to make a tough choice. Due to the Academy’s “Menken Rule” — implemented in 2008 — a single film can only submit three songs for Oscar consideration, with no more than two ultimately eligible for nomination. That meant trimming down a packed soundtrack to just three powerhouse songs.
And the final lineup? Nothing short of iconic.
Tate McRae’s “Just Keep Watching” — The Anthem of Determination
Tate McRae’s “Just Keep Watching” has quickly become an anthem of motivation and energy, mirroring the speed, glamour, and emotion of Formula 1 racing. Written by McRae alongside Tyler Spry, Ryan Tedder, and Amy Allen, the song’s infectious rhythm and empowering lyrics made it a standout in both the movie and the music charts.
At the MTV VMAs, McRae’s single claimed “Song of the Summer” and “Best Editing”, solidifying its dominance. The track has already sold over one million units in the U.S., achieved platinum status, and amassed more than 500 million global streams. McRae continues to perform it as the encore piece of her Miss Possessive Tour, where it consistently brings audiences to their feet.
Ed Sheeran’s “Drive” — A Rocker’s Ode to Speed and Passion
Next in the Oscar race is Ed Sheeran’s “Drive”, a high-octane rock anthem that perfectly captures the spirit of the film’s protagonist, portrayed by Brad Pitt. Co-written by Sheeran with Blake Slatkin and John Mayer, the track is a blend of emotional storytelling and pure adrenaline.
The song also features musical legends: John Mayer on guitar, Pino Palladino on bass, and Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters fame on drums. This star-powered collaboration gives “Drive” a timeless sound that blends classic rock roots with cinematic energy. Since its release, the track has earned over 90 million global streams, quickly becoming a fan favorite.
Doja Cat and Don Toliver’s “Lose My Mind” — Electrifying Emotion Meets Epic Score
The third submission, “Lose My Mind,” is an electrifying collaboration between Don Toliver and Doja Cat, written with Hans Zimmer, Ryan Tedder, and Grant Boutin. The song complements Zimmer’s thrilling, electronic-infused film score, combining emotional vulnerability with the high stakes of the racing world.
Doja Cat’s powerful feature adds intensity, while Toliver’s smooth delivery makes the track a standout both on-screen and on streaming platforms. With over 315 million global streams and 400,000 units sold in the U.S., the song is on track to receive gold certification soon — and possibly an Oscar nod.
A Legacy of Oscar-Worthy Soundtracks
The F1 film continues the proud tradition of Jerry Bruckheimer Productions, which has a long history of delivering award-winning soundtracks. Over the decades, several of Bruckheimer’s films have earned Oscar nominations — and even wins — for Best Original Song, including:
- “Flashdance… What a Feeling” (Winner, Flashdance, 1983)
- “Take My Breath Away” (Top Gun, 1986)
- “Shakedown” (Beverly Hills Cop II, 1987)
- “How Do I Live” (Con Air, 1997)
- “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” (Armageddon, 1998)
- “There You’ll Be” (Pearl Harbor, 2001)
- “Hold My Hand” (Top Gun: Maverick, 2022)
With that track record, F1 could very well be Bruckheimer’s next big Oscar success story — combining cinematic storytelling with an unforgettable soundtrack.
The Road Ahead for F1 and Its Artists
As the Oscar season heats up, F1’s music team finds itself in a strong position. The mix of pop, rock, and electronic influences gives the film’s soundtrack a universal appeal that transcends genres. For artists like Tate McRae, Ed Sheeran, and Doja Cat, this recognition could mark a major milestone in their already impressive careers.
Music insiders predict that “Just Keep Watching” and “Drive” could both land official Oscar nominations, with “Lose My Mind” serving as a dark horse contender — especially given the Academy’s increasing openness to genre diversity.
Whether or not F1 takes home the trophy, one thing is clear: the film’s music has already won over fans and critics alike, setting a new standard for movie soundtracks in Hollywood.
Final Thoughts
The combination of Brad Pitt’s star power, Hans Zimmer’s masterful score, and a soundtrack featuring Tate McRae, Ed Sheeran, and Doja Cat makes F1 one of the most talked-about films of the year. The decision to submit these three songs — “Just Keep Watching,” “Drive,” and “Lose My Mind” — positions the film as a top contender for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards.
At Cast Insider, we’ll be keeping a close watch as Oscar season unfolds, tracking every update and industry reaction. One thing’s certain — the F1 soundtrack is already racing full speed toward award-season glory.