The Grand Prix Festival Economy Evolves As Disney Builds Season-Long Story

Forbes Business

by Kate Hardcastle, Contributor

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Disney, Uniqlo, and Gentle Monster are revolutionizing Formula 1 by attracting a younger, more diverse audience, transforming Grand Prix weekends into season-long cultural and retail events. These brands are integrating their products and messaging into F1's platform, creating immersive experiences that resonate with modern consumers. Uniqlo has introduced limited-edition apparel featuring F1 team liveries, while Gentle Monster offers themed pop-up cafes at race venues. Disney leverages its media empire for collaborations, enhancing visibility among younger fans through activations and partnerships. This shift matters to businesses as it broadens F1's appeal beyond traditional fans, attracting a demographic more engaged with fashion and lifestyle brands. It opens new revenue streams through retail and brand alliances, positioning F1 as a cultural force in global markets.

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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/25/2026