Lightning McQueen makes Monza debut as F1 and Disney extend partnership

Lightning McQueen joins the Italian Grand Prix grid

Disney and Pixar’s Lightning McQueen has arrived at Monza—not as a movie prop, but as a track vehicle for the Italian Grand Prix weekend. The appearance marks the first inclusion of the Cars character in Formula 1’s collaboration with Disney and comes as the franchise celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Lightning McQueen will complete an honorary lap around the iconic Italian circuit, while the official F1 safety car will carry a Cars-inspired livery during the race weekend. The crossover gives the event a distinctly different visual signature, linking Formula 1’s high-speed spectacle with one of racing’s best-known fictional characters.

The timing has also created an obvious talking point among fans because of Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson’s reported love of Lightning McQueen. Images of the character at Monza quickly spread across social media, with fans joking about Lawson’s reaction. One Reddit comment read, “Liam’s currently sprinting towards the track,” while another posted, “I just know Liam is the happiest person on Monza rn.”

Lawson’s connection to the character has already become part of the weekend’s lighter storyline. For a closer look at the driver’s Monza situation, see Hadjar to miss Monza: Lawson jumps in and Tsunoda is back to Racing Bulls.

F1 and Disney extend ‘Fuel the Magic’ campaign

The Monza activation follows a newly announced multi-year extension between Formula 1 and Disney, extending the Fuel the Magic campaign through to the end of 2028. Launched in 2025, the partnership initially focused on Mickey & Friends, including a Bellagio Fountains performance during the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend.

The collaboration will also move into retail at Monza. Fans attending the Italian Grand Prix can shop the F1 x Disney and Pixar’s Cars collection, featuring Mattel die-cast vehicles inspired by the film franchise and Formula 1, alongside apparel, collectibles and accessories.

F1 chief commercial officer Emily Prazer described the extension as a continuation of the partnership’s focus on creativity, storytelling and fan engagement. She said the merchandise range was a natural next step, bringing together Formula 1 and Cars in a way that felt “authentic and nostalgic”.

Prazer added that Cars was an early introduction to the thrill of racing for many fans, making the Monza initiative a celebration of the sport’s appeal across generations.