‘Next season’s grid: Verstappen, Leclerc, Hamilton… and Pluto.’
Formula 1 and Disney have joined forces.
Yes—Mickey Mouse is going racing.
F1’s commercial chief says it’s ‘brilliant. ‘I say it’s what happens when Monaco meets Mickey’s ears.
However, it might work with 820 million fans and more children watching F1 than ever before.
Just don’t be surprised when Verstappen’s next pit crew includes Goofy.
Continue reading below.
• Early 2020s – F1 realises it has more under-16s watching than ever before. Not in the grandstands—on Instagram.
• 2023 – Emily Prazer steps in as Chief Commercial Officer and decides the next title sponsor shouldn’t just be a bank. It should be a brand that makes children squeal.
• 2024 – Enter Disney. Not content with conquering childhoods, they want to co-host the grid walk.
▪️ Prazer says: ‘Both brands push boundaries.’ She’s not wrong. F1 pushes G-forces. Disney pushes plush toys, theme parks, and emotional breakdowns during films.
Disney replies: ‘We’re turning a century of Mickey into motorsport.’ The Mouse now wants a Constructors’ Championship.
◼︎ What it means: Joint merch, global content, immersive experiences, and possibly a helmet with ears.
Strategic aim: Bring Formula 1 beyond sport into lifestyle, youth culture, and Disney+ thumbnails.
◼ The Result? – A generation raised on iPads now thinks Eau Rouge is a cartoon character. Welcome to Racing 2.0.
‘F1 meets Disney: where Verstappen races and Elsa handles tyre degradation with an icy stare.’
