Disney Consumer Products and Formula 1 are expanding on their partnership to now encompass F1 Academy.

Leading up to this weekend’s 2026 Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, Tasia Filippatos, president of Disney Consumer Products, has revealed that, as part of its multiyear deal with Formula 1, the all-women racing championship has been added to the partnership.

Classic Disney characters Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck will be fronting the collaboration, with the two appearing in exclusive merchandise launching this spring, on-site character experiences and original content to “bring the magic” to newer and established fans.

Over the past few years, the sports have seen a massive surge in growth, with fans particularly of younger demographics. According to Formula 1, more than 4 million children aged 8 to 12 are active followers of the sport in the European Union and the U.S. Moreover, 54 percent of TikTok followers and 40 percent of Instagram followers are all under the age of 25.

“Our collaboration with Formula 1 sparked a cultural moment with fans worldwide and expanding into F1 Academy opens an exciting new chapter in that story,” said Filippatos. “With Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck leading the way, we’re celebrating confidence, friendship and individuality while connecting Disney storytelling with a sport empowering the next generation of female athletes.”

This added partnership follows the news in May 2025 that Formula 1 and Disney are working together on a collaboration called “Fuel the Magic.” As first reported by WWD, the duo launched a limited-edition capsule collection at the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix this past November. This weekend’s race in Shanghai will also see the drop of the new Gentle Monster and Disney Formula 1 eyewear collaboration with pop-ups in both Seoul and Shanghai.

“We’re excited to bring Disney’s iconic storytelling to F1 Academy through Fuel the Magic,” Susie Wolff, managing director of F1 Academy, said in a statement first shared with WWD. “This new chapter with Disney is inspired by Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck’s friendship that embodies the power of women supporting women. 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.”

Disney said this announcement is part of its continued efforts to invest in both sports culture and youth fandom, with this partnership extension including the racing championship, aiming to help shape the future of the sport.

“Disney is a global storytelling powerhouse that unites young and old generations alike, while celebrating individuality,” said Emily Prazer, chief commercial officer for Formula 1 and president and chief executive officer of Las Vegas Grand Prix Inc. “It’s therefore a natural step as part of our collaboration for it to support F1 Academy, a series that champions women, encourages them to get involved in our sport and ultimately thrive. 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.”

F1 Academy was launched in 2023 to help women in racing receive visibility, financial backing and mentorship for progression up the ladder to Formula 1 racing. All 11 of the Formula 1 teams and other sponsors — including Tag Heuer, Gatorade, Sephora, Lego, American Express and Puma — will support the 18 women drivers for the 2026 season. Seven races will be held simultaneously during Formula 1 weekends in Shanghai, Jeddah, Montreal, Silverstone, Zandvoort, Austin and Las Vegas.