In a landmark moment for both British motorsport and modern culture, artist Olaolu Slawn has made history by designing the livery for the Visa Cash App RB (VCARB) Formula 1 team during the 2024 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The collaboration, executed in partnership with fashion label HUGO, marks the first time an artist has ever created a race car livery for this iconic event.
But the visual impact doesn’t stop at the car itself. Slawn’s distinctive style was seen across the entire team setup, from bespoke racewear worn by the pit crew and drivers, to a full spray-paint installation takeover of the team’s paddock space. The results were nothing short of extraordinary, bringing a fresh, irreverent energy to one of the most historic weekends in British sports.
From Concept to Concrete: How It All Came Together
The origins of this creative collision trace back to 2023, when Lia Tadmor, a British creative marketing specialist then working with HUGO in Germany, proposed the idea of an artist-led livery to her team. Although unprecedented in the world of Formula 1, Tadmor believed strongly in the cultural and visual power of such a project. Even after moving into freelance work, she remained committed to making it happen.
Her vision gained momentum with the help of NOBO Agency and its founder, Lazer, who recognised the potential and brought in Slawn, an artist with the kind of visual language that could speak loudly in the fast-paced, hyper-visible world of F1. NOBO had previously led projects with major sporting and cultural events such as the FA Cup Final, making them an ideal partner to bring this vision to life at scale.
A Multilayered Celebration of Art, Fashion and Racing Culture
The initiative wasn’t just about the car. It expanded into a multifaceted week of events and activations that blurred the lines between street culture and elite sport. These included a public-facing car reveal in London’s bustling Oxford Circus, a luxury brunch at Silverstone attended by celebrities and creatives, and a grassroots community event at Beau Beau’s café, complete with an F1 simulator and interactive giveaways designed to bring the racing experience closer to everyday fans.
Working toghether, Lia and Lazer orchestrated a dynamic , cultural programme that offered something for everyone, from style leaders to young enthusiasts newly discovering the Formula 1. It marked a shift in how race weekends can be experienced, proving that motorsport doesn’t need to stay confined to traditional formats.
Slawn’s Signature Style Hits The Fast Lane
Slawn is known for his chaotic charm and visual language. He brought this unmistakable character to the entire activation. The car’s livery, rendered in his signature black-and-white palette with hand-drawn, cartoonish motifs, became an instant hit.
Creative director Dede Jae played a vital role in refining and coordinating the visuals, ensuring that Slawn’s unique artistic voice translated seamlessly into the world of highspeed engineering. At just 24 years old, Slawn has already left an incredible mark on culture, from designing the Brit Award trophy in 2023, to collaborations with the likes of Beyoncé, SZA, and A$AP Rocky. His presence at Silverstone affirmed his growing international status.
Years in the Making: Behind the Scenes of a Historic Moment
While the visual results appear spontaneous and bold, the success of the project was the product of years of careful planning and collaboration behind the scenes. It took the dedication of multiple creative minds, Tadmor, Lazer, Jae and of course, Slawn, to navigate both the creative and corporate landscape required to pull off something this ambitious.
