Lightning McQueen, Pixar’s iconic red car, will make an appearance in the Formula 1 paddock following the extension of the Fuel the Magic partnership with Disney until 2028.
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After the involvement of Mickey Mouse and all the famous mouse’s friendly characters, the partnership between the category and Disney will now also expand to the world of Cars, from Pixar. McQueen will be at the Italian GP weekend in Monza, with a special design marking the 20th anniversary of the franchise.
The partnership expansion also brings a series of new merchandise available for fans to purchase. The first six products were revealed at the D23 event on August 14, including hoodies and caps, as well as Mattel die-cast models.
Emily Prazer, commercial director of Formula 1, stated that the success of the partnership with Disney was one of the main reasons for the renewal. “The success of our partnership with Disney demonstrated what is possible when two globally beloved brands come together around a shared vision of creativity, storytelling, and fan engagement. The renewal of our relationship reflects the strength of this collaboration and our ambition to continue creating new experiences for fans worldwide.”
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“This product collection is a natural next step and combines the excitement of Formula 1 with the world of Cars, from Disney and Pixar, in a way that feels authentic and nostalgic. For many fans, Cars represented a first contact with the thrill of racing, making this collaboration a fun way to celebrate the sport’s enduring appeal through characters that generations have come to know and love,” she continued.
Joss Hastings, senior vice president of marketing at Disney Consumer Products, explained that the partnership with Formula 1 was designed to bring Disney to the sport in creative and unexpected ways. “Our mission with the F1 partnership is to bring Disney magic to fans in unexpected and creative ways, whether watching at home, at the track, or interacting on social media,” he said.
“Building on the success achieved with *Mickey & Friends*, expanding our relationship to include Cars, from Pixar, at the Monza GP presents an exciting opportunity to ‘fuel the magic’ and unite two fan communities that share the same love for speed, spectacle, and excitement. The future of this collaboration belongs to these fans, and our goal is to continue creating moments that celebrate their passion,” he concluded.
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