Formula 1® and Disney extend “Fuel the Magic” collaboration through 2028 season and welcome Disney and Pixar’s Cars

Formula 1 and Disney have today announced a significant extension of "Fuel the Magic" through the 2028 season, marking the next chapter of the global collaboration with the addition of Disney and Pixar's Cars franchise.

Launched in 2025, "Fuel the Magic" blends Disney storytelling and Formula 1 fandom through immersive experiences, engaging content and bespoke merchandise for fans worldwide. The 2028 extension adds a full new season beyond the original deal, while the addition of Pixar's Cars expands the collaboration beyond Mickey & Friends for the first time.

The news was unveiled at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, where fans can visit the Disney Store booth for a first look at the all-new Disney and Pixar Cars Collection with Formula 1. Throughout the convention weekend, D23 attendees can also experience "Fuel the Magic" firsthand at the Formula 1 x Disney Fuel the Magic Photo Experience.

A growing global fan movement

"Fuel the Magic" has showcased Mickey & Friends in fun and unexpected ways across major cultural moments worldwide, growing into a fan experience spanning entertainment, merchandise, content, and community impact:

• FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX 2025: Debut of the collaboration with a one-of-a-kind Disney Live Entertainment performance at the Fountains of Bellagio and appearance from the Disneyland Band, plus the debut Disney x Formula 1 merchandise collection designed by Bobby Kim.
• FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN CHINESE GRAND PRIX 2026: Kickoff of original WEBTOON content, Formula 1 show car at Shanghai Disneyland Resort and "Fuel the Magic" fan zone retail pop-ups, featuring race-specific and core merchandise collections.
• FORMULA 1 LENOVO GRAND PRIX DU CANADA 2026: Extension of the collaboration into F1 ACADEMY™, spotlighting Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck in dedicated merchandise and race-weekend experiences aimed to inspire the next generation of women in motorsport.
• FORMULA 1 PIRELLI BRITISH GRAND PRIX 2026: Disney and Formula 1 expanded their collaboration beyond the track through a Make-A-Wish® initiative, unveiling a custom Mickey Mouse-inspired racing helmet that was signed by 20 current Formula 1 drivers. After attracting 199 bids from 28 bidders across 12 countries, the one-of-a-kind collectible sold for a record-breaking £151,000 ($201,000 USD) to benefit Make-A-Wish International, making it the highest-value charitable item ever sold on F1 Authentics.

Following the success of the Make-A-Wish auction, a second custom Mickey Mouse-inspired Bell Racing helmet will be showcased at D23giving 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.

Lightning McQueen joins the grid

For two decades, Cars has thrilled fans through films, products and Disney Parks attractions. Now, Piston Cup champion Lightning McQueen arrives in Monza in an all-new look to celebrate the anniversary. Set against one of motorsport's most prestigious race weekends, the appearance will create a landmark crossover moment for Cars and Formula 1 fans alike.

Disney and Pixar's Cars collection with Formula 1 debuts first at D23

Fans attending D23 will be the first to shop the new collection. Six items will debut at the Disney Store booth on Friday, August 14, including a Disney Store-exclusive hat and fleece, plus die-cast vehicles from Mattel. The collection launches online at Formula 1 Official Online Store and DisneyStore.com that same day at 10 a.m. PT, before rolling out globally on August 27, arriving at the F1® Flagship Store at the FORMULA 1 PIRELLI GRAN PREMIO D'ITALIA 2026.

Fuel the Magic continues off track

The magic keeps racing beyond race weekends: fans can follow "Fuel the Magic" year-round through original content, including the WEBTOON comic series, and shop Formula 1 x Disney and F1 ACADEMY x Disney products on the F1 Store and DisneyStore.com. More details on 2028 season activations will follow in the coming months.

Follow along via @mickeymouse, @f1, @F1academy and @pixarcars, and using #FuelTheMagic.

Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer at Formula 1, said:

"The success of our partnership with Disney has demonstrated what's possible when two globally loved brands come together around a shared vision for creativity, storytelling and fan engagement. Extending our relationship reflects the strength of that collaboration, and our ambition to continue creating new experiences for fans around the world. This merchandise collection is a natural next step and brings together the excitement of Formula 1 with Disney and Pixar's Cars in a way that feels both authentic and nostalgic. For many fans, Cars was an early introduction to the thrill of racing, making this collaboration a fun way to celebrate the enduring appeal of the sport through characters that generations have come to know and love."

Joss Hastings, Senior Vice President Marketing at Disney Consumer Products, said:

"Our mission with the F1 partnership is to bring Disney magic to fans in unexpected and creative ways, whether they're watching at home, trackside or engaging on social. Building on the momentum established with Mickey & Friends, expanding our relationship to include Pixar's Cars at Monza GP presents an exciting opportunity to 'Fuel the Magic' and bring together two fandom communities that share the same love of speed, spectacle, and heart. The future of this collaboration belongs to those fans, and our goal is to continue building moments that celebrate their passion."