Lightning McQueen arrives at Monza with a fresh look inspired by the Disney x Formula 1 collaboration, paired with the Mercedes-AMG Safety Car, showcasing a Cars-themed design for the race weekend.
When Disney and Formula 1 announced an extension of their Fuel the Magic collaboration in August 2026, they also revealed that the Cars franchise would make its debut on the circuit. The Cars collection and experiences at the Formula 1 Gran Premio d’Italia 2026 in Monza represent one of the most organic partnerships yet. Lightning McQueen will appear at the race and headline a co-branded merchandise collection. But introducing a new character to the grid is about more than slapping a Pixar icon on a T-shirt.
What started as Mickey and Friends merchandise at races and online, plus trackside activations, has evolved into a creative fusion where both Disney and Formula 1 fans can seamlessly engage with both worlds. Adding Cars, a franchise already beloved by racing enthusiasts, creates the perfect green flag for collaboration.
“For 20 years, Cars has introduced generations of kids and families to racing through Lightning McQueen’s journey, making the franchise uniquely positioned to connect with fans of the sport. As Formula 1 continues to capture global attention, bringing these two iconic racing brands together is a natural fit. Through experiences, content, and product collaborations with partners like Mattel, we’re creating new ways for fans to celebrate Cars,” Paul Gitter, Executive Vice President of Global Brand Commercialization at Disney Consumer Products, tells me.
The Multi-Generational Charm Of ‘Cars’
Lightning McQueen appears at Monza with a fresh look inspired by the Disney x Formula 1 collaboration, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Disney and Pixar’s Cars.
Today, Cars is a multi-generational phenomenon. Parents who grew up with the films now share it with their children, expanding Lightning McQueen’s fanbase through movies and the upcoming Disney Jr. series Cars: Lightning Racers. The franchise also gains momentum with the Cars-themed land, Piston Peak National Park, coming to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, alongside the Formula 1 partnership.
“On the surface, Cars is about the thrill of high-speed racing, flashing lights, roaring crowds, and fierce competition. At its heart, it’s a story of personal growth, resilience, and teamwork. For two decades, those themes have connected audiences of all ages to racing in an exciting yet relatable way. That’s why this Formula 1 collaboration feels so natural,” Jim Morris, President of Pixar Animation Studios, tells me.
The numbers underscore Cars’ enduring appeal. Lightning McQueen ranks as the top Pixar character among boys aged 3 to 13. Cars content has amassed over 2 billion hours of global watch time. Disney’s announcement of the Monza collaboration earned 1 million likes and 16.1 million Instagram views, highlighting the franchise’s lasting power.
Interestingly, despite Cars being set in a world of American stock cars, Formula 1 data shows the United States is one of its fastest-growing markets, especially among younger audiences discovering the sport through digital platforms. Cars planted the seed of motorsports culture, and Disney is now harvesting it through its Formula 1 partnership.
“Being at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, you can feel the incredible energy surrounding the sport. While drivers take the spotlight, every moment on track is enabled by teamwork, dedication, and expertise behind the scenes. At their core, Cars and Formula 1 share the same values: community, perseverance, and striving for excellence together. Bringing these worlds together celebrates racing culture and introduces a new generation to what makes the sport special,” Morris continues.
Beyond The Starting Grid To Store Shelves
Lightning McQueen Loungefly
When the original Cars film debuted 20 years ago, it topped the weekend box office with $62.8 million in the U.S. and grossed roughly $462 million worldwide. The film is set for a theatrical re-release this weekend. In 2024, Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson cited Cars as one of his favorite movies.
In 2011, Disney reported that Cars merchandise generated over $8 billion in global retail sales. Today, licensing deals span generations and styles, from LEGO Speed Champions sets and battery-powered Lightning McQueen cars for kids and nostalgic adults to Loungefly mini backpacks popular in Disney parks and an upcoming Crocs launch themed to the fictional Dinoco oil and gas company. Since 2016, more than 144 million Cars products have been sold in the U.S., averaging nearly 44,000 branded items daily.
Nearly two decades after its debut, Lightning McQueen remains more popular than ever, and Disney’s continued expansion within the Cars universe confirms that number 95 is here to stay.
