Lightning McQueen Joins the Race: Disney and Pixar’s Cars Enters Formula 1 Partnership Through 2028
The Disney Formula 1 Cars collaboration expands through 2028 with new merchandise at D23 and an appearance by Lightning McQueen at Monza.
Gentlemen, start your engines! Disney and Formula 1 have officially announced an extension of their global collaboration through 2028. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Disney and Pixar’s Cars, the high-octane franchise is officially entering the global program for the very first time. Since Lightning McQueen first sped onto movie screens two decades ago, Cars has captivated generations of racing fans. Now, Pixar’s racing champion is making the jump from Radiator Springs straight into the world’s premier motorsport paddock.
Disney Formula 1 Cars: Exclusive F1 Collection Debuts at D23
Fans attending D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will get the first opportunity to gear up. Attendees can stop by the Disney Store booth to browse the all-new Disney and Pixar’s Cars Collection with Formula 1. The collection features six first-to-market items, including:
- Apparel and Accessories: High-end apparel blending classic F1 branding with Cars storytelling.
- Mattel Die-Cast Vehicles: Collectible die-cast models showcasing crossover designs.
- Photo Experience: D23 guests can participate in the interactive Disney x Formula 1 Fuel the Magic Photo Experience.
For fans unable to attend D23 in person, products will be available on DisneyStore.com starting August 14 at 9:00 a.m. PT. Broader availability begins on August 27 through the official Formula 1 Online Store and on-site at race weekends.
Disney Formula 1 Cars: Lightning McQueen Heads to Monza
The Disney Formula 1 Cars celebration moves to the track this September as Lightning McQueen makes a special appearance at the FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO D’ITALIA 2026 at the historic Monza circuit. #95 will sport an all-new custom livery designed specifically to celebrate 20 years of Cars and this partnership with Formula 1.
A Growing Global Collaboration
Originally launched in 2025 featuring Mickey & Friends, the Disney x Formula 1 collaboration has brought storytelling and fan activations to Grand Prix host cities worldwide, including Las Vegas, Shanghai, Montréal, and Silverstone. Recent milestones include:
- F1 ACADEMY Integration: Showcasing characters like Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck in motorsport content.
- Record-Breaking Charity Auction: A custom Mickey Mouse-inspired Bell Racing helmet signed by 20 current F1 drivers raised £151,000 (~$201,000 USD) for Make-A-Wish International.
- D23 Sweepstakes: A second custom Mickey Mouse helmet will be displayed at D23, alongside a Prizeo sweepstakes offering U.S. fans a chance to win a replica version benefiting Make-A-Wish America.
With the collaboration extended through 2028, theme park fans, Disney collectors, and motorsport enthusiasts have plenty of speed-filled magic to look forward to over the coming years. Other Lightning McQueen-related news includes:
For more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News.
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