Monza welcomed an unusual guest on Thursday. Lightning McQueen, the seven-time Piston Cup champion from Disney and Pixar's Cars, appeared at the Italian Grand Prix as an official track vehicle ahead of a race weekend running from September 4 to 6, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of the 2006 film.
The animated race car is the first Cars character to join Formula 1's "Fuel the Magic" collaboration with Disney. Launched in 2025 with Mickey & Friends — who featured in the Bellagio Fountains show during the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend — the partnership has now been extended through the end of 2028. McQueen is scheduled to complete an honorary lap of the historic circuit, while the official F1 safety car carries a Cars-inspired livery throughout the weekend.
Fans at Monza will also find the F1 x Disney and Pixar Cars collection on sale, including Mattel die-cast vehicles inspired by the movie and by Formula 1, apparel, collectibles and accessories. "The success of our partnership with Disney has demonstrated what's possible when two globally loved brands come together around a shared vision for creativity, storytelling and fan engagement," said F1 chief commercial officer Emily Prazer. "For many fans, Cars was an early introduction to the thrill of racing."