F1 bosses approach Black Eyed Peas star to produce new soundtrack for every race | F1 | Sport
F1 bosses have reportedly approached music producer Will.i.am to create a new soundtrack for every race – in an attempt to prevent any future legal battles. The Black Eyed Peas had six No.1 hits in the UK between 2003 and 2010 with Will.i.am a key band member.
The seven-time Grammy Award winner is a rapper, singer and songwriter who has also had success as a solo artist with three No.1 hits in the UK to his name with songs featuring many different artists. Will.i.am was in Jeddah ahead of this weekend’s Saudi Arabia Grand Prix producing a music video on Thursday night, which prevented some drivers completing their course walk.
Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg was one of those that had to change their race weekend routine due to the music crew ‘blocking the course’. He said: “I wanted to do it now, but they blocked the track, and it’s all gone wrong now! I’ll watch the safety car, and I’ll see it tomorrow (in qualifying).”
The Sun have reported that Will.i.am is set to become a regular feature as F1 tries to tighten up a loophole which could see television producers inadvertently charged for broadcasting outside music. The newspaper said: “F1 bosses have asked Black Eyed Peas star Will.i.am to produce some music that can be used before and after qualifying and races.
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“The singer, rapper, producer, DJ, was filming a video in Saudi to accompany his music. While it is likely the traditional Prelude Act I Carmen ditty will be retained for the podium celebration, Will.i.am’s tracks will fill up the rest of the playlist over a weekend.
“In doing so, it will avoid any music rights issues that could occur when TV broadcasters pick up audio from guest DJs, who perform immediately after the podium presentation.” F1 has seen its popularity boom following the successful Formula 1: Drive to Survive which has now published five series.
