Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer is experiencing a creative adrenaline rush with his latest project, F1, the high-octane racing film from director Joseph Kosinski. Known for shaping some of cinema’s most iconic soundtracks — including The Dark Knight, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Dune — Zimmer says working on F1 let him rediscover the excitement of his youth and his early love for motorsports.
The composer has scored racing films before, including Days of Thunder (1990) and Rush (2013). But this time, he wanted to deliver something distinctly different — faster, brighter, and more playful.
A Soundtrack Built on Speed and Nostalgia
Zimmer revealed that he tried to avoid the dark, brooding tone often associated with his work. Instead, he leaned into energy, experimentation, and pure fun.
“I wanted to feel like a kid again,” Zimmer told TheWrap.
“I got to drag out all the synthesizers, make loud noises, and make everything a little bit too fast.”
The composer even incorporated a disco beat for the first time in his career, joking that he would “apologize for it later.” His goal was to match the momentum and technical precision of Formula One racing without losing the emotional weight his music is known for.
A Personal Connection to Formula One
Zimmer grew up in Germany, where Formula One was popular long before it reached mainstream American audiences. His father was a devoted motorsports fan who took the family to races during vacations.
“I grew up in a household that stank of gasoline,” he said, describing his lifelong connection to the sport.
That familiarity gave him confidence to break the rules and create something that reflects the energy of real racing environments. He focused especially on tempo — noting that many film scores are paced for horses, not F1 engines.
“Most film music is just a little bit too slow for a race car. This wasn’t about horses.”
Capturing Teamwork and Precision
Zimmer compared the fast-paced collaboration of pit crews to the creative process of filmmaking. Both require synchronized timing, trust, and intense focus.
He praised director Joseph Kosinski and the production team for crafting racing sequences that demanded an equally dynamic sonic universe.
“We live in times where it’s important for people, if they go to the cinema, let’s put a smile on their face.”
His score aims to electrify moviegoers with immersive sound and unrelenting tempo — embracing the excitement of the sport itself.
A New Chapter in Zimmer’s Career
With F1, Zimmer expands his musical identity, blending rave-style rhythms, orchestral power, and modern electronic textures. Fans and critics already anticipate the score becoming one of his most memorable.
The film, backed by Warner Bros. Pictures and Apple Original Films, is generating major awards buzz, with Zimmer’s innovative soundtrack positioned as a standout element.
