In a groundbreaking fusion of art, sport, and culture, Nigerian-British artist Olaolu Akeredolu-Ale, popularly known as Slawn, has made history as the first artist in the world to have his artwork featured on a Formula 1 race car. This historic moment unfolded at the 2025 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where Slawn collaborated with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB) and fashion brand HUGO to create a visionary livery for the VCARB 02.
This trailblazing collaboration redefined the visual identity of Formula 1 and celebrated the dynamic intersection of creative disciplines, placing Slawn at the heart of global cultural innovation.
The Artist Behind the Canvas
Based in London, Slawn is known for his graffiti-inspired aesthetic that merges urban street culture with his Yoruba heritage. His expressive figures, drawn in a loose, marker-like style, carry both humor and weight, making his work immediately distinctive.
With prior collaborations including Louis Vuitton, Rolex, Ferrari, and a 2025 redesign of the Emirates FA Cup, Slawn is no stranger to large-scale, high-profile projects. His meteoric rise began on the streets of London, where his raw artistic voice quickly gained attention.
Although not an avid F1 follower growing up, Slawn embraced this opportunity with bold enthusiasm. “Art meets speed, and I brought the madness,” he said, capturing the creative spirit he brought to the collaboration.
A Revolutionary Livery for the British Grand Prix
Unveiled on July 1, 2025, at the Flannels X Store in London, Slawn’s redesign of the VCARB 02 race car broke with Formula 1’s sleek traditions. The car’s white base was covered in Slawn’s signature black figures, fusing Yoruba-inspired imagery with London’s gritty street aesthetics.
This design extended beyond the car to the drivers’ suits, helmets, and team kits, all featuring bold red, white, and blue colors along with Slawn’s signature open-eyed characters.
Slawn also designed the team garage live at Silverstone, alongside drivers Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar, turning the paddock into a dynamic canvas of cultural expression.
Peter Bayer, CEO of VCARB, called the project “unlike anything we’ve seen in Formula 1,” while James Foster of HUGO Boss described the livery as “fresh, energetic art” that aligned with HUGO’s push to bring Formula 1 into broader cultural conversations.
Beyond the Track: A Cultural Takeover
Taking his influence beyond the Silverstone circuit, Slawn transformed his East London café, Beau Beau’s, into the Hugo Race Car Café during race weekend. Outfitted with custom branding and an F1 simulator, the space became an immersive hub for fans who couldn’t attend the Grand Prix.
This community-centered activation illustrated Slawn’s ability to bring art to the people, making high-concept design approachable and inclusive.
On social media, the reaction was electric. Fans hailed him as the first African artist to feature work on an F1 car, celebrating the moment as a landmark for representation, creativity, and pride, with praise echoing from Lagos to London.
A Milestone for Representation and Innovation
Slawn’s collaboration is not only a personal success but a milestone in Formula 1’s evolution. By injecting his Yoruba heritage and street art sensibility into a traditionally corporate and aesthetic-heavy sport, he has disrupted the norm and broadened the possibilities for visual and cultural expression in racing.
His work aligns with Formula 1’s increasing engagement with younger, more diverse audiences, particularly Gen Z and young women, who are reshaping the sport’s global appeal.
This collaboration, spearheaded by Racing Bulls and HUGO, sets a new precedent for integrating art, fashion, and sport—turning Formula 1 into not just a racing spectacle, but a cultural platform.
The Broader Impact of Slawn’s Work
The British Grand Prix livery builds on Slawn’s earlier success in the world of sports design, particularly his graffiti-influenced redesign of the FA Cup trophy. Across all his projects, he maintains a consistent voice that is unapologetically creative, community-rooted, and globally resonant.
This Formula 1 project isn’t just a moment—it’s a movement, signaling a shift in how art can exist and thrive in unexpected places. Slawn has proven that art can travel at 200 mph and still deliver a powerful, lasting message.
Conclusion
With this bold and beautiful collision of art and speed, Olaolu Slawn has redefined what’s possible in Formula 1. His collaboration with Racing Bulls and HUGO at the 2025 British Grand Prix stands as a powerful example of creative disruption, representation, and cultural expansion.
From graffiti in London alleyways to the roar of Silverstone’s racetrack, Slawn’s journey is a reminder that art knows no limits. As he aptly put it:“I brought the madness.” And Formula 1—indeed, the world—is all the better for it.
