Disney and Formula 1 Collaboration for 2026 Season

In a move set to blend high-octane racing with timeless Disney charm, Formula 1 and The Walt Disney Company have announced the extension of their multi-year “Fuel the Magic” collaboration for the 2026 race season.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Building on the buzz from its debut at the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix—where Mickey Mouse famously took over the Fountains of Bellagio—the partnership aims to deliver immersive fan experiences, exclusive merchandise, and digital content across global Grand Prix events.

The campaign kicks off at the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8, with a racing-inspired content series, before ramping up at the Chinese Grand Prix from March 13-15. Additional activations are planned throughout the 24-race calendar, targeting F1’s growing audience of over 827 million fans worldwide, many of whom are younger and more diverse.

A New Digital Lap: WEBTOON Comic Series

One of the standout features of the expanded partnership is the launch of an original vertical comic series, “Mickey X Formula 1: Racing to the Top!” Co-created with WEBTOON, the series debuts on March 6 via WEBTOON’s global platforms. It follows Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy as they team up to rescue a struggling racing squad, emphasizing themes of teamwork and perseverance amid high-stakes drama.

New episodes will drop seasonally, timed to coincide with race weekends, keeping fans engaged between events. This digital initiative is designed to bridge the worlds of Disney’s storytelling magic and F1’s adrenaline-fueled action, appealing to both motorsport enthusiasts and comic fans.

Merchandise Drops: From Trackside Pop-Ups to Global Collaborations

Fans can gear up for the season with a wave of “Fuel the Magic” merchandise, featuring Disney’s Mickey & Friends in Formula 1-inspired outfits. Starting at the Chinese Grand Prix, select races will host fanzone retail pop-ups offering city-specific items and a core Disney x F1 collection. These will be available at key locations like the F1 Hub and Grand Prix Plaza, as well as online via F1.com and the Amazon F1 storefront in the U.S.

Highlighting the product lineup:
– Disney Store Exclusive Mickey Mouse Plush: Dressed in a full F1 uniform, this collectible launches first in Australia ahead of the season opener, with a worldwide rollout planned later in 2026.
– Gentle Monster 2026 Circuit Collection: An eyewear collaboration featuring eight F1-inspired styles, including three exclusive designs with Mickey & Friends motifs. Pop-ups in Seoul and Shanghai will showcase a Mickey Mouse sculpture alongside a Formula 1 car.
– Uniqlo Partnership: An expanded apparel and accessories line, including collectibles and plush items, blending casual fashion with racing vibes.

These collaborations underscore the partnership’s focus on creating authentic, race-specific moments that resonate with fans on and off the track.

Voices from the Pit Lane

Tasia Filippatos, President of Disney Consumer Products, highlighted the campaign’s evolution: “Formula 1 and Disney sparked a cultural moment felt worldwide – and it was only the beginning. This year is about turning that moment into a season-long story. A new digital chapter with WEBTOON gives fans a reason to stay connected between race weekends, brought to life through product and standout moments that feel authentic to each stop on the calendar.”

Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer of Formula 1, echoed the sentiment: “The continuation of our ‘Fuel the Magic’ campaign with Disney is far greater than just a sports partnership, but one that leverages both Formula 1 and Disney’s power of immersive cultural storytelling and engaging entertainment. From unique product launches to fan experiences, digital content and WEBTOON integration, we’re offering even more unique ways that new and existing audiences can engage with our sport and experience race events like no other.”

Looking Ahead: A Full-Throttle Season

As F1 enters a new era in 2026 with updated regulations, new teams, drivers, and tracks, the Disney collaboration adds a layer of entertainment that could further boost the sport’s appeal. From on-track activations to off-track digital and retail engagements, “Fuel the Magic” positions itself as a bridge between racing’s intensity and Disney’s whimsical world.

For motorsport fans, this means more ways to celebrate the season—whether through collecting limited-edition merch or following Mickey’s fictional racing adventures. Keep an eye on upcoming Grand Prix for surprise appearances and drops, as Disney and F1 continue to “fuel the magic” on a global scale.