In a bold new crossover between two of the world’s most beloved brands, Disney and Formula 1® have officially announced a global collaboration launching in 2026, featuring none other than Mickey & Friends.
The partnership promises to bring a thrilling mix of racing, storytelling, and nostalgia to fans of all ages through immersive experiences, merchandise, and content.
Mickey, Meet Motorsports
Starting in 2026, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and the whole gang will make their way onto the Formula 1 stage, not behind the wheel, but through unique integrations that blend the excitement of racing with Disney’s iconic characters and creativity. The project is designed to appeal to fans globally, bringing both brands into new arenas of family-friendly entertainment.
Tasia Filippatos, President of Disney Consumer Products, emphasized the cultural impact of the collaboration:
“As we celebrate nearly a century of Mickey Mouse & Friends, our collaboration with Formula 1 offers a unique opportunity to bring two powerhouse entertainment properties together to create products that fans will love.”
Formula 1’s Chief Commercial Officer, Emily Prazer, added:
“It fits perfectly with our strategy to step outside the world of sport and into a broader consumer market. It’s a fantastic match as both brands are known for pushing boundaries and bringing entertainment and excitement to millions.”
A History of Disney-F1 Connections
While this 2026 collaboration marks the largest initiative to date between Disney and Formula 1, it’s not the first time the racing world and Disney have overlapped.
Several high-profile Formula 1 drivers have previously lent their voices to Disney and Pixar films:
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Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, both Ferrari drivers, voiced characters in Pixar’s Lightyear in 2022—Charles in the Italian version and Carlos in the Spanish version.
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Their involvement wasn’t just in the sound booth, Ferrari even sported Lightyear-themed sponsorship logos on both their car and racing suits during the movie’s release.
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Lewis Hamilton appeared in Cars 2 and Cars 3 as himself, lending his voice to a sleek AI assistant and race car.
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Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, and others also made regional appearances in the Cars franchise, bringing a dash of real-world motorsport to Pixar’s animated universe.
These moments highlight a long-standing mutual admiration between the worlds of F1 and Disney, laying the groundwork for this new, full-scale collaboration.
Fueling the Future for Fans Young and Old
One of the most exciting aspects of the 2026 Disney x F1 collaboration is its potential to bridge generations. Formula 1 has seen a surge in popularity among younger demographics—data shows that over 4 million children aged 8–12 actively follow the sport in the U.S. and EU, and more than half of F1’s TikTok followers are under 25.
At the same time, Disney’s Mickey & Friends are icons of nostalgia and family tradition for generations of adults. By bringing these two powerhouse brands together, this collaboration is poised to tap into childhood wonder and lifelong fandom, from nostalgic parents to their wide-eyed kids watching a race for the first time.
What Comes Next?
Details about what fans can expect are still under wraps, but Disney and Formula 1 have confirmed that more announcements are coming soon.
Whether collectible merchandise, interactive family experiences at Grand Prix events, or even new digital content, fans should expect a full-throttle celebration of speed, fun, and imagination.
As both Disney and Formula 1 continue to innovate and expand their reach, this crossover marks an exciting new chapter—one where storytelling meets speed, fantasy meets the finish line, and magic merges with motorsport.
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