One of anime’s fastest-rising franchises is taking an unexpected detour into the world of motorsport. As anticipation builds for Dandadan‘s third season, the series has partnered with the Atlassian Williams Formula 1 Team for a special collaboration that debuted during Anime Expo 2026.
Rather than unveiling another standard merchandise collection, Williams surprised fans with a custom Dandadan-themed Formula 1 show car inspired by the anime’s supernatural world. Featuring artwork of Momo Ayase, Okarun and Turbo Granny, the display immediately became one of the convention’s biggest attractions, drawing both anime fans and Formula 1 enthusiasts eager to see the crossover in person.
A Rare Crossover Between Anime and Formula 1
While anime collaborations have become common across fashion, gaming and lifestyle brands, partnerships involving Formula 1 teams remain incredibly rare. Williams Racing used Anime Expo to showcase how motorsport and Japanese pop culture can come together, presenting a specially designed show car created exclusively for the event.
The collaboration wasn’t limited to the vehicle itself. Visitors could also browse a collection of convention-exclusive Dandadan merchandise, including apparel, accessories and limited collectibles that won’t be available through regular retail channels. The booth quickly became one of the busiest attractions throughout the weekend as fans lined up to experience the collaboration firsthand.
Williams also described the project as the “first chapter” of its partnership with Dandadan, suggesting that additional collaborations may already be in development. Although no future plans have been officially announced, the wording has sparked speculation among fans that the relationship could extend beyond Anime Expo.
Dandadan’s Growing Popularity Keeps Opening New Doors
The Formula 1 collaboration reflects just how quickly Dandadan has grown into one of anime’s biggest modern success stories. Produced by Science SARU and based on Yukinobu Tatsu’s manga, the series has earned widespread acclaim for its distinctive visual style, energetic storytelling and blend of supernatural action with romantic comedy.
Its international popularity has also made it an attractive partner for brands looking to connect with younger audiences. Formula 1 teams have increasingly embraced collaborations outside traditional motorsport in recent years, and Williams appears to have found an ideal match in one of anime’s fastest-growing franchises.
The crossover also introduced a collaborative merchandise collection created with watchmaker UNDONE, further expanding the partnership beyond the convention floor. By combining exclusive products with an eye-catching show car, the collaboration demonstrated how anime has become an increasingly important part of global entertainment marketing.
A Strong Promotion Ahead of Season 3
With a third season already on the way, the Williams partnership arrives at an ideal time for Dandadan. Instead of relying solely on trailers and promotional artwork, the series is reaching new audiences through one of the world’s most recognizable motorsport brands.
Whether the collaboration evolves into a long-term partnership remains to be seen, but its debut has already generated significant attention across both the anime and Formula 1 communities. For Dandadan, it’s another sign that the franchise’s momentum continues to accelerate well beyond television screens.
