Formula 1: The Team Behind Slawn, HUGO, And VCARB’s Livery

For the biggest occasion in the British racing calendar, esteemed artist Olaolu Slawn made history, designing the livery for the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1(TM) Team for the race weekend in collaboration with HUGO. Alongside the first ever artist collaboration in British Grand Prix history, Slawn also offered his services for a full HUGO x Slawn capsule, custom race gear for the crew and drivers, and a spray paint takeover of the VCARB paddock.

With the end product looking sensational and unique on an iconic Silverstone race day, the original idea stemmed from creative marketing specialist Lia Tadmor. Back in 2023 Lia was working for HUGO in Germany when she proposed the idea to her team of an artist collaboration in F1. Although this was something that hadn’t been done before, Tadmor was confident in her idea and continued to work closely with HUGO on the project after going freelance.

This was also pushed along by NOBO Agency and its founder, Lazer, who connected the dots by bringing Slawn in on the project. Having previously worked on other sporting projects and events including the FA Cup final, NOBO and Lazer understood the cultural scope of Formula 1 and what this kind of project would entail and eventually look like. 

Working together both Lia and Lazer were able to curate multiple activations across the race week, offering events for both A-List talent as well as the grassroots community. From a car reveal event in Oxford Circus to a star studded brunch at Silverstone, to a community takeover at Beau Beau’s café, with an F1 simulator and prizes for the public, there truly was something for everyone. 

This project however would be nothing without Slawn’s artistic capabilities, backed by his creative director Dede Jae. His caricaturistic designs and monochromatic finish made for a striking livery that was matched throughout the VCARB paddock and uniforms. 

At just 24 years of age, Slawn has demonstrated a titanic influence across multiple aspects of art and wider culture, From becoming the youngest artist to design the Brit Award in 2023 to working with musical icons including SZA, Beyonce, and A$AP Rocky, his creativity and signature style is set for global dominance.

Such a milestone at Silverstone required multiple years of meticulous planning and precise execution. Slawn’s art proudly on display at one of the biggest days in the British sporting calendar was able to be delivered through the behind the scenes work of Lia Tadmor, Lazer and NOBO, and Dede Jae.