If you’ve been following the intersection of motorsport and pop culture over the past year, you already know that the Disney Formula 1 partnership has been one of the most talked-about collaborations in racing. And now, the magic is officially shifting into high gear. At the 2025 D23 fan convention in Anaheim, Disney and Formula 1 announced a significant extension of their collaboration, locking in the partnership through 2028 and introducing a brand-new pillar: Pixar’s beloved “Cars” franchise.
That’s right , Lightning McQueen is coming to Formula 1, and the whole thing kicks off at one of the most legendary venues in motorsport: the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
A Two-Year Extension With Big Ambitions
The original Disney Formula 1 collaboration launched in 2025 and was built around the iconic Mickey & Friends characters. Through immersive fan experiences, exclusive merchandise, and crossover content, the partnership quickly gained traction among both Disney loyalists and motorsport enthusiasts. Now, with the deal extended through 2028, there’s room to build on that momentum , and a lot more.
The expansion is meaningful for several reasons. Not only does it add an additional racing season to the calendar, but it also represents the first time the partnership has ventured beyond the Mickey Mouse universe. By bringing Pixar’s “Cars” into the fold, Disney is opening the door to a massive global fanbase that has grown up loving Lightning McQueen, Mater, and the gang from Radiator Springs.
Why “Cars” Is the Perfect Fit for Formula 1
On the surface, a talking race car showing up at an F1 circuit might sound whimsical , but the synergy between Pixar’s “Cars” franchise and Formula 1 runs deeper than aesthetics. Both worlds celebrate speed, spectacle, engineering excellence, and the emotional pull of competition. The “Cars” films are essentially love letters to racing culture, and Formula 1 is the pinnacle of that culture.
Joss Hastings, senior vice president of marketing at Disney Consumer Products, summed it up perfectly: “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.”
That “Fuel the Magic” tagline isn’t just catchy marketing , it captures the entire spirit of what this Disney Formula 1 partnership is trying to do: merge storytelling with real-world motorsport in a way that feels authentic to both audiences.
Lightning McQueen Rolls Into Monza
The timing of this announcement couldn’t be more poetic. Pixar’s “Cars” franchise is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, and the partnership is marking the occasion with a high-profile debut at one of the most historic races on the F1 calendar. Piston Cup champion Lightning McQueen will arrive at the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix at Monza sporting an all-new look designed specifically for this collaboration.
Monza is often called the “Temple of Speed,” and it’s the perfect backdrop for a character like McQueen. With its passionate tifosi, high-speed straights, and decades of racing heritage, Monza embodies everything the “Cars” movies have celebrated since 2006. Bringing Pixar’s most famous race car to this venue isn’t just a marketing move , it’s a cultural moment.
A Look at the Milestones So Far
Before the “Cars” expansion was announced, the Disney Formula 1 partnership had already racked up some impressive achievements. Key milestone events took place at:
- Las Vegas Grand Prix , A flagship moment for the partnership, given Vegas’s entertainment-driven atmosphere.
- Chinese Grand Prix , Expanding the collaboration into new international markets.
- Canadian Grand Prix , Reaching North American fans with immersive activations.
- British Grand Prix , One of the most historic stops on the F1 calendar.
Perhaps the most emotionally significant milestone was a record-breaking Make-A-Wish auction tied to one of the events. Disney and Formula 1 used their combined platforms to raise money for children with critical illnesses, demonstrating that the partnership isn’t just about commercial gains , it’s about creating meaningful impact, too.
Inside the New Disney and Pixar Cars Collection With Formula 1
The merch drop accompanying this announcement is a big deal for collectors and casual fans alike. The new Disney and Pixar Cars Collection with Formula 1 debuted at D23, with fans getting a first look at the Disney Store booth. The lineup includes six first-to-market items available at the Disney Store, including:
- A Disney Store exclusive pin , A must-have for pin collectors.
- A Disney Store exclusive hat , Wearable racing gear for the Disney-fluent F1 fan.
- A Disney Store exclusive fleece , Cozy apparel blending both brands’ aesthetics.
- Die-cast vehicles from Mattel , High-quality collectibles that bring the crossover to life.
For fans who couldn’t make it to D23, the online launch is set for August 14 at 9 a.m., with the collection rolling out to the Formula 1 Official Online Store and arriving in person at Monza in September. Whether you’re a lifelong Disney collector or a die-hard F1 fan, this collection is designed to bridge the two worlds in tangible ways.
What the Mattel Collaboration Means
Mattel’s involvement is particularly noteworthy. As the official die-cast partner for both Pixar’s “Cars” merchandise and a long-standing Formula 1 toy collaborator, Mattel sits at the exact intersection of these two brands. Their craftsmanship gives the crossover merchandise a level of authenticity and quality that resonates with adult collectors, not just kids.
What This Means for the Future of Brand Collaborations in Motorsport
The Disney Formula 1 partnership is part of a broader trend of entertainment brands recognizing motorsport’s massive global growth. F1’s audience has exploded over the past five years, driven by Netflix’s “Drive to Survive,” the expansion of races into new markets like Miami and Las Vegas, and the star power of drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
Disney’s strategic move to attach itself to F1 through two of its most iconic properties , Mickey & Friends and now Pixar’s “Cars” , signals a long-term bet on the sport’s cultural relevance. With the deal now running through 2028, both brands have time to develop deeper storytelling, more elaborate fan experiences, and expanded merchandise lines.
It also raises some intriguing questions about what could come next. Could we see Marvel-themed Grand Prix activations? A Star Wars-inspired night race? Disney+ original content tied to F1 storylines? The current partnership leaves plenty of room for creative expansion.
Final Thoughts: A Partnership Built on Shared DNA
At the end of the day, the Disney Formula 1 partnership works because both brands fundamentally understand the power of storytelling. Disney has spent a century building emotional connections through characters and narratives, and Formula 1 has built its own mythology through legendary rivalries, heroic drivers, and unforgettable races. Combining those two storytelling traditions creates something genuinely special , something that appeals to kids who grew up watching “Cars” on repeat and adults who never miss a Grand Prix weekend.
With Lightning McQueen set to roll into Monza, an expanded merchandise line dropping this August, and three more racing seasons locked in through 2028, the Disney Formula 1 partnership is just getting started. Whether you’re a Disney die-hard, an F1 fanatic, or somewhere in between, there’s never been a better time to be at the intersection of magic and motorsport.
Keep your eyes on the calendar: the online launch happens August 14, and the Monza debut arrives in September. The checkered flag is just the beginning.