Disney has extended its Formula One partnership, which was originally launched in 2025, until 2028. The partnership will also now feature Pixar’s Cars alongside the original Mickey & Friends line up.
Lightening McQueen will appear at the Formula 1 Pirelli Grand Premio D’Italia 2026, with an all new look.
Titled ‘Fuel the Magic’, the collaboration features immersive experiences, social media content and bespoke merchandise.
So far Disney’s F1 partnership has appeared at the Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025, Formula One Heineken Chinese Grand Prix 2026, Formula 1 Lenovo Grand Prix Du Canada 2026 and Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix 2026.
Joss Hastings, senior vice president marketing at Disney Consumer Products, said: “Our mission with the F1 partnership is to bring Disney magic to fans in unexpected and creative ways, whether they’re watching at home, trackside or engaging on social.
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“Building on the momentum established with Mickey & Friends, expanding our relationship to include Pixar’s Cars at Monza GP presents an exciting opportunity to ‘Fuel the Magic’ and bring together two fandom communities that share the same love of speed, spectacle, and heart.”
The news was announced at Disney’s fan event, D23, where the brand has put a second Mickey Mouse-inspired Bell Racing helmet on display (the first was auctioned off at the Make-A-Wish Auction). Fans in the US can enter a Prizeo sweepstakes to win a replica version, with net proceeds going to Make-a-Wish America and extending the initiatives impact.
Visitors to the D23 event will also be able to be the first to shop the new merch collection which features an Disney Store exclusive hat and fleece and die-cast figures from Mattel.
It will launch online at Formula 1 Official Online Store and Disney Store on August 14 in the US and globally on August 27.
Emily Prazer, chief commercial officer at Formula 1 added: “This merchandise collection is a natural next step and brings together the excitement of Formula 1 with Disney and Pixar’s Cars in a way that feels both authentic and nostalgic.
“For many fans, Cars was an early introduction to the thrill of racing, making this collaboration a fun way to celebrate the enduring appeal of the sport through characters that generations have come to know and love.”
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