Who said race cars can’t be canvases for culture? At the 2025 British Grand Prix, the sleek curves of speed met the raw energy of street art in a way the racing world had never seen before. On 5 July, the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls unveiled an electric new livery designed by London-based Nigerian artist Slawn, in collaboration with fashion house HUGO. The stage: Silverstone Circuit, the home of British motorsport. The mission: show the world that style and speed can coexist.
This collaboration redefines what we think about Formula 1. For years, F1 uniforms have been branding exercises. But this time, it’s about expression. Slawn’s signature bold strokes, vibrant colors, and pop culture symbolism transformed the Racing Bulls’ machines into rolling works of art. As the engines roared, so did the message: African creativity belongs on the world stage.
“It’s a proud moment,” Slawn said in an interview before race day. “I’m bringing art from the streets of Lagos and London onto a global track. Racing is fast. My art is loud. This is how we meet halfway.”
Visa Cash App Racing Bulls chose Slawn for a reason. His work speaks to a new generation. From the art kids in Johannesburg to the sneakerheads in Tokyo, his playful-yet-rebellious style resonates. HUGO, no stranger to supporting emerging creatives, completed the triangle, bringing their fashion-forward energy to the pit lane.
The result was a visual shockwave. The Bulls’ RB01 cars featured punchy primary colors, chaotic brushstrokes, and Slawn’s signature mask iconography. Fans didn’t just see a race; they witnessed a cultural crossover.
Formula 1, often seen as an elite playground, opened its arms to a new voice, an African artist, a street culture icon, and a storyteller with spray paint. Slawn’s influence is part of a wider movement. African artists are no longer waiting for an invitation; they’re creating their own tables, whether on canvases, stages, or racetracks.
At the race, the energy was undeniable. Fans took selfies next to the cars. Social media lit up. Commentators couldn’t stop talking about “the wild new look.” Even rivals like McLaren and Ferrari gave nods of appreciation.
For Visa and Cash App, this was more than a sponsorship deal. This was smart culture marketing. By embracing artists who break boundaries, the brands positioned themselves as champions of the new creative economy.
Fashion label HUGO brought their distinct edge to the pit crew uniforms and lifestyle merchandise. HUGO’s CEO said in a press release, “The lines between art, fashion, and sport are blurring. This partnership celebrates that spirit.”
But let’s not forget the race. Amid the hype, the Racing Bulls team held their own. The drivers, suited in HUGO-designed overalls, delivered solid mid-pack performances, proving that while style grabbed headlines, skill still mattered on the track.
The grander story here is how cultural partnerships are reshaping sport. Just as Burna Boy headlines NBA halftime shows and Trevor Stuurman shoots global campaigns, Slawn brings art to F1. It’s a moment of pride for African creatives, showing that their work resonates from New York to Cape Town.
Could we one day see a South African artist like Karabo Poppy or Nelson Makamo design a Formula 1 car? This collaboration opens that door. Beyond the race weekend, the Slawn x Visa Cash App Racing Bulls x HUGO partnership will continue to live on merchandise, digital art drops, and future races. It’s more than a one-time stunt. It’s a movement.
As Slawn summed it up: “People say speed is about winning. But to me, speed is about how fast your message travels. And right now, the message is loud and clear. African creativity is global.”
For anyone in Mzansi with a paintbrush or a pencil, the message from Silverstone is simple: your work matters. Keep going. The streets are your gallery. And maybe one day, the racetrack too.
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