From Radiator Springs to the F1 Paddock: Disney and Pixar’s Cars Joins the Disney and Formula 1 Collaboration

This year, Disney and Pixar’s Cars celebrates it’s 20th anniversary, marking two decades since Lightning McQueen first raced into theaters and introduced fans to the unforgettable town of Radiator Springs.

And now, Disney and Formula 1 are marking the occasion with an exciting new chapter.

Today, Disney and Formula 1 announced an extension of their collaboration through 2028, while also welcoming Disney and Pixar’s Cars into the global program for the very first time. The news marks the next chapter in a journey that has brought together Disney storytelling and racing fandom through immersive experiences, engaging content and merchandise for audiences around the world.

As part of the expansion, Lightning McQueen is heading to the FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO D’ITALIA 2026 at Monza in September, while fans attending D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event can be among the first to shop the all-new Disney and Pixar’s Cars Collection with Formula 1.

So, start your engines and let’s take a look at what’s next.

Originally launched in 2025, Mickey & Friends raced into the world of Formula 1 with a global celebration of storytelling, speed, and fandom. Along the way, the collaboration has popped up at race weekends around the world, helping create memorable moments in host cities including Las Vegas, Shanghai, Montréal, and Silverstone.

Now, with the collaboration extending through 2028, Disney and Formula 1 will continue bringing fans together through content, merchandise, and experiences inspired by Disney storytelling.

Fans attending D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event won’t have to wait long to experience the newest addition to the program for themselves.

Beginning August 14, guests can shop the new Disney and Pixar’s Cars Collection with Formula 1 at the Disney Store booth, including six new Disney Store first-to-market items. From apparel and accessories to Mattel die-cast vehicles, the collection celebrates the exciting crossover between Disney and Pixar’s Cars and Formula 1.

The collection will be on display throughout the convention weekend with a shoppable QR code, giving fans an up-close look before becoming available on DisneyStore.com beginning August 14 at 9 a.m. Select items will become more widely available beginning August 27, arriving on the Formula 1 Official Online Store and at the FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO D’ITALIA 2026 in Monza this September.

Guests can also step into the action at the Disney x Formula 1 Fuel the Magic Photo Experience.

For two decades, Cars has thrilled fans through films, products and Disney Parks attractions. Now, as the franchise celebrates its 20th anniversary, Piston Cup champion Lightning McQueen is heading to one of motorsport’s most iconic race weekends.

To mark the milestone, Lightning McQueen will appear at the FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO D’ITALIA 2026 at Monza in an all-new look.

Bringing together one of Disney and Pixar’s most beloved racing icons with one of motorsport’s most storied race weekends, the experience is set to create a memorable moment for Cars and Formula 1 fans alike.

Over the past year, Disney and Formula 1 have continued finding fun and unexpected ways to bring audiences together.

The journey began at the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025 with a one-of-a-kind Disney Live Entertainment performance at the Fountains of Bellagio, an appearance by the Disneyland Band and the launch of the first Disney x Formula 1 merchandise collection.

In 2026, the program expanded globally with original WEBTOON content and fan experiences in Shanghai, the addition of F1 ACADEMY featuring Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck, and a special Make-A-Wish initiative unveiled at the Formula 1 British Grand Prix.

As part of the 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, raising £151,000, or approximately $201,000 USD, with net proceeds* donated to Make-A-Wish International.

Following the success of the record-breaking Make-A-Wish auction, a second custom Mickey Mouse-inspired Bell Racing helmet will be showcased at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, giving fans the opportunity to see the design up close. Fans in the U.S. can also enter a Prizeo sweepstakes for a chance to win a replica version, with net proceeds* benefiting Make-A-Wish America and helping extend the initiative’s impact.

Whether you’re discovering the new Disney and Pixar’s Cars Collection with Formula 1, following along with original content or cheering on Lightning McQueen at Monza, there’s plenty for fans to look forward to.

With the collaboration now continuing through 2028 and Disney and Pixar’s Cars joining the lineup for the first time, the next chapter of Disney and Formula 1 is just getting started.

_{*Net proceeds include all revenue received for the helmets/products minus vendor, transaction, tax or logistics related expenses}