Disney puts Minnie and Daisy in the driver's seat with F1 Academy partnership

Disney is accelerating its collaboration with Formula 1 (F1) by extending the partnership to include F1 Academy, the all-women racing championship. The announcement comes in the wake of the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, as the F1 calendar now heads toward Japan.

Classic Disney characters Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck will lead the initiative, appearing in exclusive merchandise, on-site character experiences, and original content designed to bring Disney magic to both new and longtime fans. 

More than just a branding exercise, the initiative connects Disney’s storytelling with a sport empowering the next generation of female athletes. "With Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck leading the way, we’re celebrating confidence, friendship and individuality," said Tasia Filippatos, president of Disney Consumer Products. 

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Susie Wolff, managing director of F1 Academy, highlighted the symbolic resonance of the pairing. “By bringing together two worlds united by creativity, ambition, and a belief in what’s possible, we’re building pathways that inspire and empower future fans, drivers and leaders to shape the future of our sport.”

In tandem, Emily Prazer, chief commercial officer of Formula 1, added that Disney’s involvement supports F1 Academy’s mission to encourage female participation in the sport.  Highlighting Disney as a "global storytelling powerhouse" that unites young and old generations alike, Prazer said that the partnership came as a natural step.

"It marks another momentous step in how we continue to build impactful integrations that not only deliver enormous fan engagement, but underline the values of our wider sport," said Prazer. 

The expansion underscores the growing focus on youth audiences and female empowerment in motorsport, with Disney and Formula 1 combining storytelling, entertainment, and sport to create engaging experiences for fans worldwide.

The F1 Academy announcement builds on Disney’s multi-year “Fuel the magic” campaign, which spans the 2026 Formula 1 season with new merchandise collections, retail collaborations, and character appearances.

As part of the campaign, Mickey and Minnie Mouse have debuted F1 inspired outfits, while a first-ever global Disney x Formula 1 apparel collection launched on 12 March, featuring streetwear-inspired tees, outerwear, sweatshirts, and caps that reimagine racing iconography through the lens of Disney characters.

Collectibles and lifestyle products are also rolling out with global partners including Miniso and Culture Kings, while capsule collections inspired by host cities will debut at Grand Prix events and online throughout the season.

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