Saturday, May 6
Exciting news for music and Formula One fans alike, as ESPN announced a collaboration with popular streaming platform, Spotify, and electronic music artist Gryffin. The collaboration will bring together the worlds of racing and music, celebrating the “rockstar” status of F1 drivers on a global stage.
Starting on May 3, an ESPN curated ‘Rockstars of Racing’ playlist will be available on Spotify, featuring suggested songs from a number of different drivers. Fans will have the chance to listen to their favorite driver’s music while also enjoying the high-octane excitement of the race.
But that’s not all – inside the Paddock at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, ESPN will also feature a ‘Rockstars of Racing Lounge’. Here, Gryffin and select drivers will be creating music together live for fans. And for those who want to test their knowledge of the drivers’ musical preferences, an interactive ESPN F1 playlist will be available where fans can try to match the song with the driver who chose it.
Emeka Ofodile, Vice President of Sports Marketing at ESPN, said: “It’s fast, it’s global, it’s cool and its drivers are like rockstars. As the world tour of F1 heads to Miami, we wanted to create a conversation and experience that celebrates these rockstars of racing on a global stage.”
This collaboration adds another layer of excitement to the upcoming F1 race in Miami, and is a great way for fans to get even more involved with the sport. In addition to the race telecast, ESPN platforms will also air all three practice sessions from Miami as well as F1 qualifying. And those who cannot attend the race can still soak in the music and receive F1 Rockstars of Racing t-shirts on-site.
This is not the first time that ESPN has added a musical element to their coverage of a sports event. In fact, the network has found success in creating unique experiences for fans that combine sports and music. Last year, they launched ‘The Undefeated Presents Music for the Movement’, a series of virtual concerts that celebrated Black history and culture through music.
The addition of the ‘Rockstars of Racing’ playlist and lounge is a natural fit for F1, a sport that has always had a strong tie to music and pop culture. Drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Daniel Ricciardo have been known to DJ at events, while others have made appearances at music festivals or collaborated with musicians on their own tracks.
This collaboration also highlights the importance of engaging fans in new and innovative ways. With the rise of streaming services and social media, the traditional model of consuming sports content has changed. By offering more than just the race coverage, ESPN is able to attract a wider audience and keep them engaged before, during, and after the event.
As for the drivers, the ‘Rockstars of Racing’ playlist gives them another opportunity to showcase their personalities outside of the race track. It’s a chance for fans to get to know them on a more personal level and see what kind of music gets their engines revving.
Overall, the ‘Rockstars of Racing’ collaboration between ESPN and F1 is a win-win for everyone involved. It adds another layer of excitement to the race while also giving fans a chance to experience F1 in a whole new way.
● Gryffin to perform unreleased single ‘Oceans’ in Wynwood
● ESPN curated ‘Rockstars of Racing’ Spotify playlist inspired by drivers
● F1 Rockstars of Racing t-shirt giveaways & more
The second annual Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix will air live on ABC, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes at 3:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 7.
The set will be available live on ESPN and Gryffin’s YouTube channels so those who cannot attend can still soak in the music. To commemorate the moment, fans will have the opportunity to receive F1 Rockstars of Racing t-shirts on-site.
Wynwood Marketplace
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_Daedrian McNaughton