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The 2026 Formula 1 Gran Premio d’Italia at Monza is revving up to be a major crossover event. From September 4-6, the iconic race weekend will double as a 20th-anniversary celebration for Disney and Pixar’s Cars, perfectly timed to coincide with Lightning McQueen Day on September 5. This event follows the recent extension of the Disney x Formula 1 partnership through 2028 and marks the first time the beloved animated franchise officially joins the global F1 program.
Related – Disney and Formula 1 Extend Partnership Through 2028 and Introduce Cars Collaboration
Fans at the track can expect to see the seven-time Piston Cup champion in the flesh. Lightning McQueen will debut an all-new design inspired by the F1 collaboration and take to the historic Monza circuit for a special honorary lap. Adding to the trackside spectacle, the official FIA Formula 1 Safety Car—the fully variable all-wheel-drive Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ introduced earlier this season—will feature a bespoke Cars-inspired makeover. This marks a unique visual tribute for the 14th F1 Safety Car to bear the Mercedes three-pointed star, blending the reality of high-performance motorsport with Pixar’s cinematic magic.
The celebration extends directly to the retail tents. Trackside attendees can shop an exclusive Cars x Formula 1 collection featuring apparel, accessories, and Mattel die-cast vehicles. Global fans tuning in from home can also join the Lightning McQueen Day festivities by grabbing select merchandise through the F1 Official Online Store and DisneyStore.com.
By bringing a pop-culture heavyweight like Cars to the Temple of Speed, Disney and F1 are continuing to build on their partnership, finding fresh ways to bridge the gap between memorable storytelling and elite racing.
