The Fleetwood Mac song used as the theme for BBC Formula One coverage was “The Chain.” Its instantly recognisable closing bass-and-guitar passage became closely associated with British motor racing broadcasts, especially during the BBC’s coverage from 1978 to 1996 and again from 2009 to 2015.
“The Chain” appeared on Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 album Rumours. Unlike many songs built around one member’s composition, it was credited to all five members of the classic Rumours lineup: Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Christine McVie, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood.
The track itself was assembled from several earlier musical ideas, including rejected material from Buckingham, Nicks and McVie. The dramatic instrumental ending, driven by John McVie’s bass line and Mick Fleetwood’s drumming, made it particularly effective for Formula One title sequences. A common mix-up is assuming the entire song served as the television theme; broadcasts generally used the instrumental ending rather than the full vocal track.