In an unprecedented fusion of high-octane racing and timeless animation, Formula 1 and The Walt Disney Company have unveiled a global collaboration that will bring the beloved characters of Mickey Mouse and his iconic friends to the thrilling world of motorsport, commencing in 2026.
This groundbreaking partnership promises to weave together the adrenaline-fueled action of F1 with the enduring charm of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto. The alliance aims to deliver a unique blend of entertainment, immersive experiences, captivating content, and exclusive merchandise to fans across the globe.
F1, experiencing a significant surge in popularity among younger demographics, particularly those under 25 who constitute a substantial portion of their social media engagement, views this collaboration as a strategic manoeuvre to further connect with this audience and tap into a broader consumer market. Similarly, Disney, as it approaches a century of celebrating Mickey Mouse & Friends, sees this as a novel and high-visibility platform to engage its vast global fanbase through the dynamic world of F1.
Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer, Formula 1, expressed enthusiasm for the venture and said, “Our collaboration with Disney is set to be a brilliant one, as we introduce the world of Mickey & Friends to our fans, and vice versa. It fits perfectly with our strategy to step outside the world of sport and into a broader consumer market, and in return, we’re introducing Disney to our 820 million fans worldwide.
“It’s a fantastic match as both brands are known for pushing boundaries and bringing entertainment and excitement to millions, so I can’t wait to see what our teams come up with for the circuit and beyond.”
Tasia Filippatos, Disney Consumer Products President, echoed this sentiment and added, “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.
“This exciting collaboration will unfold across a global stage, with unforgettable content and experiences tailored for Disney and F1 fans alike.”
The strategic alliance comes at a time when F1 has witnessed remarkable growth within younger demographics. Recent data indicates that over four million children aged 8-12 across the EU and US are now active followers of the sport, while an impressive 54% of followers on TikTok and 40% on Instagram are under the age of 25.
Looking ahead, the partnership holds the exciting prospect of Disney-themed activations at Grand Prix events worldwide. These could include dedicated family-friendly zones, appearances by beloved Disney characters, and unique, interactive activities designed to elevate the race weekend experience for fans of all ages, adding a touch of Disney magic to the high-octane atmosphere of Formula 1.
