# Disney motorsport media and licensing expansion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/disney-motorsport-media-and-licensing-expansion > Updated: 2026-08-16T08:52:42.000Z. Sources: 50. Developments: 4. Disney and various motorsport entities are exploring expanded commercial and media partnerships. Initial discussions focused on the potential for Disney or Pixar to develop an animated Formula 1 series featuring real teams and circuits to drive merchandising and licensing revenue. Following these explorations, Disney+ secured a multi-year global streaming agreement with Formula E. Starting with the 2026/27 season, the platform will host the all-electric championship across 144 territories. In the United States, racing content will be available on both Disney+ and ESPN+. Under this landmark agreement, subscribers will gain access to every session, including practice runs, qualifying, and live races, alongside highlights, analysis, and behind-the-scenes programming. The championship noted that this digital expansion is intended to “complement, rather than replace, existing free-to-air and linear television partnerships in key markets.” For instance, in Italy, broadcasts are expected to continue on Mediaset networks to ensure free access. Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds described the deal as a “milestone” that leverages Disney’s storytelling power to accelerate global growth. The media deal coincides with the introduction of the GEN4 car, which produces over 815bhp and can accelerate from 0-60mph in approximately 1.8 seconds. The 2026/27 season will feature an expanded 21-race calendar across 13 cities, beginning in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and concluding in Tokyo, Japan. Expanding its motorsport reach, Disney has extended its partnership with Formula 1 through 2028. Unveiled at the D23 fan event in Anaheim, the expanded “Fuel the Magic” collaboration will integrate Pixar’s “Cars” franchise alongside the existing “Mickey & Friends” lineup. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of “Cars,” the character Lightning McQueen is scheduled to debut a new celebratory livery at the Formula 1 Gran Premio D’Italia in Monza this September. ## Claims - The 2026/27 season will feature a 21-race calendar across 13 cities. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The new GEN4 car produces more than 815bhp (600kW). (corroborated by 3 sources) - The GEN4 car can accelerate from 0-60mph in approximately 1.8 seconds. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The 2026/27 season begins in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on December 18, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The 2026/27 season concludes in Tokyo on July 25, 2027. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The agreement is a significant milestone for the championship. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Disney+ will be the global streaming home for Formula E across 144 territories starting from the 2026/27 season. (corroborated by 2 sources) - In the United States, coverage will be available on Disney+ and ESPN+. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-16: Formula 1 and Disney extend partnership through 2028 Formula 1 and Disney have extended their partnership to 2028, bringing Pixar’s Cars franchise to the Monza Grand Prix with special merchandise and a Lightning McQueen appearance. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/formula-1-and-disney-extend-partnership-through-2028 ### 2026-08-14: Disney extends Formula 1 partnership through 2028 Disney has extended its Formula 1 partnership until 2028, adding Pixar’s ‘Cars’ to its collaboration through new merchandise and immersive fan experiences. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/disney-extends-formula-1-partnership-through-2028 ### 2026-08-11: Formula E signs global streaming deal with Disney+ Formula E has signed a multi-year global deal with Disney+ to stream all races, practice, and qualifying sessions across 144 territories starting in the 2026/27 season. 42 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/disney-secures-global-streaming-rights-for-formula-e ### 2026-07-29: Disney and Formula 1 exploring expanded licensing and animated series partnership Disney’s $10 bn Cars merchandise and Formula 1’s $787 m licensing could be boosted by an animated series linking real teams, creating new merchandising and fan engagement. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/disney-and-formula-1-exploring-expanded-licensing-and-animated-series-partnership --- Cite as: Disney motorsport media and licensing expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/disney-motorsport-media-and-licensing-expansion