Animated Race Car Icon to Take Honorary Lap at Monza for Film's 20th Birthday
A vehicle styled after the Pixar character Lightning McQueen will perform an honorary lap at this weekend's Italian Grand Prix in Monza, marking the 20th anniversary of the 2006 film 'Cars.' Formula 1 also confirmed that a Mercedes-AMG safety car will feature livery inspired by the movie. The appearance is part of a Disney-F1 partnership announced three weeks ago that runs through 2028.
The honorary lap extends a cross-promotional relationship between Disney and Formula 1 that began last year, when classic animated characters such as Mickey Mouse appeared at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. That initial collaboration has now evolved into a formal multi-year agreement announced in mid-August, with the partnership currently scheduled to continue through the 2028 season.
This weekend's festivities at Monza include not only the Lightning McQueen-inspired vehicle but also a Mercedes-AMG safety car carrying a livery drawn from the Pixar film. The Italian Grand Prix weekend opens Friday, with the main race set for Sunday at 9 a.m. ET, giving fans multiple days of the themed celebration.
This crossover may broaden Formula 1's appeal to younger audiences and families who might not otherwise follow the sport, potentially expanding its fan base. The Disney partnership could also normalize corporate entertainment tie-ins within motorsport, a trend that may influence how future races are marketed. Casual viewers might tune in out of nostalgia, while longtime fans could see the promotion as either a fun novelty or an unwelcome commercial intrusion.