Marking their second year in Formula 1, HUGO swerved expectations at this year’s British Grand Prix. Despite being one of the most unpredictable sports in the game, one thing that is set in stone is each team’s signature visuals, be it Ferrari’s iconic red or Red Bull’s bucking logo. But this year, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB) Formula One™ Team ripped up the rulebook. For the first time in British GP history, an F1 car hit the circuit wrapped in original artwork by an artist: Nigerian-born, London-based artist Slawn – whose signature graffiti graphics and spray-paint technique transformed the team’s identity across car and kit.

The same premise was applied to the race suits of drivers Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson alongside the VCARB garage and paddock at Silverstone, featuring caricature-style illustrations stretching across pit lane walls. Off-track, Slawn’s artwork decorate a ready-to-wear HUGO x RB range fusing tailoring, street art and motorsport, spray-painting designs across HUGO classics. Wearing his custom VCARB suit on race day, we caught up with Hadjar to discuss slipping into Slawn’s world, the spark that lit his love for racing, and life on the fast track, from Red Bull junior to rising F1 star.

Ella Joyce: When did you first become interested in motorsports? 
Isack Hadjar: I first became interested in motorsports when I was five or six. It was clear to me that I only wanted to be a Formula One driver. From then, I just set my sights on that goal and worked relentlessly towards it. It wasn’t until I signed my Formula One contract last year that I finally paused and realised I had actually made it.

EJ: You joined Red Bull’s junior team in 2022, how would you say you’ve grown as a driver since joining the team? 
IH: Joining was a huge step in my career. I’ve grown a lot, not just in terms of performance, but also in understanding how to extract the most from the car and myself. The level of support, the pressure, and the expectations have all pushed me to become more disciplined, more analytical, and more complete as a driver. I’ve learned to adapt quickly, to be more consistent, and to perform under pressure.

EJ: You made your Formula 1 debut at the Australian Grand Prix in March. Can you tell us about how that moment felt?
IH: It’s the kind of moment you work your whole life for, and suddenly you’re there and surrounded by the best in the world.

EJ: What has been your standout race of the season so far? 
IH: Japan and Monaco. I simply love Suzuka and I got my first F1 points there, while Monaco was a special race for me and the best result in my F1 career so far. These were definitely standout moments.

EJ: Do you have any pre-race rituals? 
IH: I listen to music mostly, I love rap – French and US rap are my go-to. I like to be focused, in the zone and prep with my trainer.

EJ: HUGO and the brand’s mantra HUGO Your Own Way champion individuality and self-expression. How does this reflect in your personal style?
IH: It expresses who I am and lets me work my personal style into what I wear off-track. I like the street style look that HUGO does so well – they’re pieces I would naturally gravitate to wear and I like the energy the brand represents.

EJ: What was your first reaction when you saw the new VCARB livery designed by HUGO in collaboration with Slawn?
IH: What we did was completely unique in Formula One, so it definitely caught people’s attention. I really connect with Slawn – we come from similar backgrounds, both growing up in big cities, him in London and me in Paris. That’s part of why this project meant so much to me. I loved everything it represented.

EJ: What is it like working with HUGO? Do you have any personal memories of the brand?
IH: I loved what we did for the British GP. Combining art and fashion culture with F1 is so unique, and there are so many similarities between them. Racing is also an art, you adapt and create every time you get into the car.