Lightning McQueen is going to Monza. Disney and Formula 1 have made the Piston Cup champion the official support vehicle for the Formula 1 Gran Premio d’Italia 2026, which runs September 4-6, and he’s showing up in an all-new look built around the Disney x Formula 1 collaboration. The whole thing lands just ahead of Lightning McQueen Day on September 5.
The invitation came from Francesco Bernoulli, his longtime rival, which is exactly the right way to get an American stock car onto an Italian circuit. It’s also a birthday party of sorts. Disney and Pixar’s Cars turns 20 this year, and the film first raced into theaters in 2006.
What is at the Monza fan zone for Cars fans?
The Mercedes-AMG Official FIA Safety Car gets a Cars-inspired makeover that debuts exclusively for race weekend. That’s the one to watch for on track. Around the circuit, Disney says fans will find Cars-inspired experiences throughout the fan zone, including a Mattel activation that brings Radiator Springs to life.
There’s a movie night too. A special screening of Cars takes place during race weekend as part of the 20th anniversary celebration. Disney hasn’t announced a time or location for the screening yet.
Where can you buy the Cars and Formula 1 collection?
The Disney and Pixar’s Cars Collection with Formula 1 is on sale at Monza throughout the race weekend. Disney calls it the first-ever Cars collection with Formula 1, and it covers apparel, accessories, collectibles, and die-cast vehicles from Mattel. If you’re not in Italy, select items will also be sold online at Disney Store and the Formula 1 Official Online Store.
This is the latest stop in the multi-year “Fuel the Magic” collaboration between Disney and Formula 1. It debuted at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2025 with Mickey Mouse’s takeover of the Fountains of Bellagio, then picked back up this year at the Australian Grand Prix in March. Mickey and Minnie have carried the program across select race weekends since, and Cars only recently joined the grid.
If you’re heading to Monza, the safety car and the merch tent are the two things you can actually plan around. Everything else is a matter of keeping your eyes open in the fan zone.
What to know: Lightning McQueen serves as official support vehicle at the Italian Grand Prix, September 4-6, in Monza. The Cars-themed FIA Safety Car, a Mattel fan zone activation, and a Cars screening all run during race weekend. The Cars and Formula 1 collection sells on site, with select pieces online at Disney Store and the Formula 1 Official Online Store.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
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