Disney and Formula 1 are expanding their collaboration through 2028, with Pixar’s Cars becoming a major part of the next phase of the partnership. The new agreement will also bring Lightning McQueen to Monza during the Italian Grand Prix as the famous animated franchise celebrates its 20th anniversary.
The extension was announced at the D23 convention in Los Angeles and adds another two years to the relationship between Formula 1 and Disney. After the collaboration initially centred on Mickey & Friends, the focus will now broaden to include one of Pixar’s best-known motorsport-themed franchises, alongside a new range of merchandise and further fan activations.
Lightning McQueen set for special appearance at Monza
One of the most prominent elements of the expanded Disney Formula 1 partnership will arrive at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Lightning McQueen, the Piston Cup champion at the heart of the Cars films, is due to make his Formula 1 event debut during the weekend with a completely redesigned look created for the occasion.
The timing coincides with the 20th anniversary of Cars, which gives Disney an opportunity to connect the franchise’s long-established association with motor racing to Formula 1’s international audience.
Joss Hastings, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Disney Consumer Products, explained that the company wanted to build on the momentum generated by its Mickey & Friends collaboration. Hastings indicated that bringing Pixar’s Cars into the programme at Monza offered an opportunity to bring together two fan communities united by an interest in speed, spectacle and memorable racing moments.
Disney and Pixar Cars x Formula 1 merchandise arriving from August 14
The expanded collaboration will also be supported by a new Disney and Pixar Cars x Formula 1 merchandise range. The collection is scheduled to become available from August 14 and includes six new products.
Among the items announced are an exclusive pin, a cap and a fleece jacket, while Mattel die-cast vehicles will also form part of the range. From September, the collection is due to reach Formula 1’s official online stores before also becoming available at Monza during the Grand Prix.
The Italian event forms part of the wider 2026 Formula 1 calendar and will provide Disney with one of the championship’s highest-profile stages for the next step in the partnership.
How the Disney and Formula 1 partnership has grown since 2025
The collaboration between Disney and Formula 1 began in 2025, combining Disney characters and entertainment with the championship’s racing environment. Its first major activation came at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where Disney Live Entertainment staged a special show at the Bellagio fountains.
The launch in Las Vegas also featured a performance by the Disneyland Band and the release of the first Disney x Formula 1 merchandise collection, establishing the format that has since been expanded into additional markets and experiences.
That programme developed further during 2026. Original WEBTOON content was introduced, while fans in Shanghai were given dedicated experiences connected to the partnership. F1 Academy also became involved through an initiative featuring Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck.
A separate Make-A-Wish initiative was then presented at the British Grand Prix, adding another element to the growing programme. The decision to extend the agreement through 2028 and introduce Pixar’s Cars therefore represents the latest stage of a collaboration that has continued to broaden since its launch.
With Lightning McQueen now scheduled to appear at Monza and a dedicated merchandise collection being rolled out, Disney and Formula 1 are preparing to take the partnership into one of its most recognisable crossovers yet.
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