F1 Collabs With Mickey Mouse For Merch And Experiences
If you’ve likely noticed that over the last five years or so Formula 1 has exploded in popularity in the United States. Thanks to things like hit reality shows, blockbuster movies, and drivers quickly turning into influencers and social media personalities, there are more American eyes on F1 than ever. Now, the mouse himself has taken notice as the Walt Disney Company has just announced a partnership initative with Formula 1 called “Fuel the Magic.”
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The campaign was first revealed back in May of this year, but now know a little more about what to expect from the partnership. It will all kick off at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November. Disney will join in on the festivities with a special performance at the Belagio fountains featuring music, pyrotechnics, and Mickey Mouse. Before qualifying Mickey and other Disney characters will walk the grid along with those who purchase special—and not cheap—”Fuel the Magic” hospitality ticket package. Capping things off on race day will be a performance of the national anthem by the Disneyland Band.
Of Course There’s Merch!
No major brand collaboration would be complete with out apparel, right? The Las Vegas Grand Prix race weekend marks launch of the Disney x Formula 1 capsule collection. Fans of F1 and Disney can buy the collection in person starting November 8th at the Venetian Resort while “select items” from the collection will go up on DisneyStore.com.
We don’t have a full look at everything available yet, but Disney says a full collection reveal is “coming soon.” Likely the reveal will happen during the first week of November just before race weekend.
The collaboration between Disney and F1 won’t stop in Las Vegas. Both brands have promised more to come in the 2026 season. Though for now we don’t know exactly what that means. The smart guess says more merchandise and activations at key races across the season are the most likely results. However, Disney is an entertainment company afterall, so there could be F1 collaborations with other Disney IP. We’re just speculating here, but can you imagine the hype for F1 x Star Wars, F1 x Marvel collections? Pixar’s Cars is having its 20th anniversary next year, could we see this F1 partnership join in on that celebration?
To The Chequered Flag and Beyond
Even the most cynical have to admit this is a shrewd strategy on both sides. For F1, partnering with Disney could be a incredibly effective way to bring even more new fans to the sport. For The Walt Disney Company it’s an opportunity to ride F1’s current wave of popularity and bring its brands to more eyeballs across the world.
The question is, how will the hardcore F1 fans react to all the Disney pagentry and “magic”? Will they accept Mickey Mouse and his friends with open arms if it means welcoming new fans? Or will cynicism win out? We should have a better idea of fan reactions during the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend. Stay tuned.