F1 inks deal with Disney for Mickey Mouse merchandise

Formula 1 and Disney have announced a new collaboration that will result in some of the media company’s most iconic characters entering the world of motorsport.

Mickey Mouse, and several other internationally recognised figures, will feature in F1 “experiences, content, and merchandise” beginning in 2026, it was revealed on Monday night.

F1’s chief commercial officer, Emily Prazer, said the deal was mutually beneficial for both enterprises.

“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,” she said in a statement.

“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.”

The announcement offered very little detail about the specifics of the deal, however Disney’s consumer products president, Tasia Filippatos, indicated the partnership will be fan-focused.

“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,” she said.

“This exciting collaboration will unfold across a global stage, with unforgettable content and experiences tailored for Disney and F1 fans alike.”

F1 is currently broadcast in the US on ESPN, a part of the Walt Disney Company. The House of Mouse inked a multi-year extension with F1 in 2022, however that deal expires in 2025.