Formula 1 and Disney are taking their motorsport-meets-magic partnership to the next level, extending their ‘Fuel the Magic’ collaboration through the 2028 F1 season and welcoming Disney and Pixar’s Cars franchise to the grid.
First launched in 2025, ‘Fuel the Magic’ brings together the excitement of Formula 1 with Disney’s much-loved characters through immersive fan experiences, original content and exclusive merchandise.
The latest extension adds another season to the partnership, while the arrival of Cars marks the first time the collaboration has expanded beyond Mickey & Friends.
Lightning McQueen Is Heading To Monza
The announcement was made at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, where fans can get an early look at the new Disney and Pixar’s Cars x Formula 1 collection.
The collaboration will also see Lightning McQueen make an appearance in Monza, celebrating two decades of the Cars franchise at one of motorsport’s most iconic race weekends.
For fans who grew up watching Lightning McQueen race around Radiator Springs, the crossover offers a nostalgic new way to experience the world of Formula 1.
What Is The Formula 1 And Disney ‘Fuel The Magic’ Collaboration?
Since launching in 2025, ‘Fuel the Magic’ has combined Disney storytelling with Formula 1 fandom across live events, merchandise, digital content and community initiatives.
The partnership has already appeared at several major Formula 1 events, including the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Chinese Grand Prix, Canadian Grand Prix and British Grand Prix.
At the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix, fans were treated to a Disney Live Entertainment performance at the Fountains of Bellagio, alongside an appearance from the Disneyland Band and the first Disney x Formula 1 merchandise collection.
The collaboration then expanded at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix with original WEBTOON content, a Formula 1 show car at Shanghai Disneyland Resort and ‘Fuel the Magic’ retail pop-ups.
At the Canadian Grand Prix, the partnership also moved into F1 ACADEMY, with Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck appearing across dedicated merchandise and race-weekend experiences designed to inspire the next generation of women in motorsport.
A Mickey Mouse-Inspired F1 Helmet Raises £151,000 for Charity
One of the biggest moments of the collaboration came at the 2026 British Grand Prix, when Disney and Formula 1 teamed up with Make-A-Wish International.
A custom Mickey Mouse-inspired racing helmet was signed by 20 current Formula 1 drivers and auctioned through F1 Authentics, attracting 199 bids from 28 bidders across 12 countries.
The unique helmet ultimately sold for £151,000 ($201,000), making it the highest-value charitable item ever sold on F1 Authentics.
A second custom Bell Racing helmet will now be displayed at D23, giving fans the chance to see the design in person.
New Disney And Pixar’s Cars x Formula 1 Collection
The new Cars collection will make its debut at D23, with six products available through the Disney Store booth from Friday, August 14.
The launch includes a Disney Store-exclusive hat and fleece, alongside die-cast vehicles from Mattel.
Fans can also shop the collection online through the Formula 1 Official Store and Disney Store from August 14 at 10 a.m. PT.
The range will then roll out globally from August 27, including a launch at the F1 Flagship Store during the 2026 Italian Grand Prix.
‘Fuel the Magic’ Will Continue Beyond the Track
The partnership isn’t limited to race weekends. Fans can follow ‘Fuel the Magic’ throughout the year through original digital content, including its WEBTOON comic series.
Disney and Formula 1 merchandise will also continue to be available through the F1 Store and Disney Store.
With the partnership now confirmed through 2028, more activations and experiences are expected to be announced over the coming months.
The latest chapter brings together two hugely recognisable racing worlds – the real-life drama of Formula 1 and the animated world of Cars – creating a collaboration that is likely to appeal to both longtime F1 fans and a new generation discovering the sport.
