Get ready, race fans! This year, Disney and Pixar’s Cars celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking two decades since Lightning McQueen first sped onto screens and introduced us to the charming town of Radiator Springs. And now, Disney and Formula 1 are marking this huge milestone with an exciting new chapter!
Disney and Formula 1 just announced they are extending their collaboration through 2028, and here’s the best part: Disney and Pixar’s Cars is joining the global program for the very first time! This partnership brings together Disney’s incredible storytelling and the thrilling world of racing, offering fans awesome experiences, engaging content, and fantastic merchandise worldwide.
As part of this expansion, Lightning McQueen himself is heading to the FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO D’ITALIA 2026 at Monza this September. Plus, if you’re attending D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, you’ll be among the first to grab items from the brand-new Disney and Pixar’s Cars Collection with Formula 1.
So, start your engines and let’s dive into all the exciting details!
Disney and Formula 1: Full Speed Ahead
The magic began in 2025 when Mickey & Friends roared into the Formula 1 world. This collaboration has since popped up at race weekends globally, creating unforgettable moments in cities like Las Vegas, Shanghai, Montréal, and Silverstone.
Now, with the partnership extending through 2028, Disney and Formula 1 will keep bringing fans together through captivating content, exclusive merchandise, and unique experiences, all inspired by Disney’s beloved stories.
Gear Up! The Cars Collection with Formula 1 Debuts at D23
If you’re heading to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, you won’t have to wait long to see the newest additions to this program.
Starting August 14, you can shop the new Disney and Pixar’s Cars Collection with Formula 1 at the Disney Store booth. Look out for six brand-new items making their debut! From stylish apparel and accessories to cool Mattel die-cast vehicles, this collection perfectly blends the excitement of Cars with the speed of Formula 1.
The collection will be on display all weekend at the convention, and you can use a QR code to shop. It officially launches on DisneyStore.com on August 14 at 9 a.m. (PT). Later, on August 27, select items will also become available on the Formula 1 Official Online Store and at the FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO D’ITALIA 2026 in Monza this September.
You can also jump into the action at the Disney x Formula 1 Fuel the Magic Photo Experience!
Lightning McQueen Races to Monza
For two decades, Cars has thrilled us with its films, merchandise, and even amazing attractions at Disney Parks. Now, as the franchise celebrates its 20th birthday, Piston Cup champion Lightning McQueen is making a special appearance at one of motorsport’s most iconic race weekends!
To mark this huge milestone, Lightning McQueen will show up at the FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO D’ITALIA 2026 at Monza with a brand-new look. Imagine one of Disney and Pixar’s most cherished racing heroes meeting one of motorsport’s most legendary events – it’s going to be an unforgettable moment for both Cars and Formula 1 fans!
The Magic Fuels Up Worldwide
Over the past year, Disney and Formula 1 have constantly found exciting and fresh ways to bring fans together.
This incredible journey started at the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025 with a spectacular Disney Live Entertainment performance at the Fountains of Bellagio, a lively appearance by the Disneyland Band, and the launch of the very first Disney x Formula 1 merchandise collection.
In 2026, the program expanded globally, bringing us original WEBTOON content and fan experiences in Shanghai. It also added F1 ACADEMY, featuring Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck, and a special Make-A-Wish initiative revealed at the Formula 1 British Grand Prix.
As part of this initiative, a custom Mickey Mouse-inspired racing helmet, signed by 20 current Formula 1 drivers, became the highest-value charitable item ever sold on F1 Authentics. It raised an incredible £151,000 (about $201,000 USD), with all net proceeds donated to Make-A-Wish International. What an amazing way to give back!
After the huge success of that record-breaking Make-A-Wish auction, a second custom Mickey Mouse-inspired Bell Racing helmet will be on display at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. This gives you a chance to see the stunning design up close! Plus, fans in the U.S. can enter a Prizeo sweepstakes for a chance to win a replica version, with net proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish America and extending the initiative’s wonderful impact.
Whether you’re checking out the new Disney and Pixar’s Cars Collection with Formula 1, enjoying the original content, or cheering on Lightning McQueen at Monza, there’s so much for fans to look forward to!
With this collaboration now running through 2028 and Disney and Pixar’s Cars finally joining the lineup, the next exciting chapter for Disney and Formula 1 is truly just beginning.
