Disney and Formula 1 exploring expanded licensing and animated series partnership

Disney’s Cars franchise has generated more than $10 billion in merchandise revenue. Formula 1’s “other revenue” – hospitality, licensing and merchandise – amounted to $787 million in 2025, growing about 20 % annually, which is modest compared with the NFL’s $3‑4 billion and the global football‑merchandise market’s $11 billion.

Ferrari alone reported over €800 million in sponsorship, commercial and brand revenues in 2025, exceeding the total central licensing and hospitality income of the sport. The analysis suggests that Disney – through Disney Animation or Pixar – could create an animated Formula 1 series featuring original characters tied to real teams and circuits such as Ferrari, McLaren, Monaco, Suzuka and Silverstone, localized in many languages. This would create a generational consumer relationship that reinforces live‑sport viewership and drives further merchandising and licensing revenue for both Disney and Formula 1.