The world of Formula 1 and football collided in spectacular fashion this week as Visa Cash App Racing Bulls rebranded as “VCARB FC” for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, complete with soccer-inspired team kits, a special livery, and limited-edition fan scarves.
The rebrand, which marks the first time an F1 team has fully adopted a football club identity for a race weekend, coincides with the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The visual overhaul transforms the team’s entire presentation, blending the high-octane world of motor racing with the passionate culture of football fandom.
At the heart of the campaign are the special team kits, featuring each driver’s race number on the back alongside a VCARB FC badge on the front. The kit design mirrors the aesthetic of modern football shirts while maintaining the team’s distinctive colour palette. The livery itself carries the VCARB FC branding on the rear wing endplates, with perhaps the most striking detail appearing on the wheel covers, which are designed to evoke the look of a football’s hexagonal panels.
Adding a fashion-forward dimension to the activation, the team partnered with emerging designer Hattie Crowther to create an exclusive VCARB FC scarf. Crowther, along with graphic designer Florence Burns and photographer Ezra Alexander, are members of VCARB’s Creator Platform — a programme that gives rising creative talent the opportunity to shape major campaigns for a global audience.
Peter Bayer, CEO of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, said: “Formula One and Football are two global sports with incredibly passionate communities, united by a shared sense of identity, creativity and culture. With VCARB FC, we’re celebrating that crossover, bringing together the energy of both sports.”
The timing could not be more fitting. The Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit has long been a favourite among drivers and fans alike, renowned for its challenging combination of high and low-speed corners. This year’s race weekend takes on added significance as it runs parallel to the opening matches of the World Cup, giving fans of both sports plenty to celebrate.
For apparel enthusiasts and motorsport fans, the VCARB FC collection represents a unique piece of crossover merchandise. The kits, scarves, and livery are a testament to how modern F1 teams are increasingly embracing lifestyle and fashion branding — a trend that has seen teams move beyond traditional racewear into streetwear and fan culture.
Drivers Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad will be sporting the VCARB FC identity throughout the weekend, with practice sessions beginning on Friday. The team’s pit crew and engineers are also expected to wear the special-edition gear, creating a fully immersive football-themed atmosphere around the garage.
The activation has already generated significant buzz on social media, with fans praising the creativity and cultural relevance of the crossover. Limited quantities of the VCARB FC scarf and kit are expected to become sought-after collectors’ items among both F1 enthusiasts and football supporters.
As Barcelona prepares to host one of the most talked-about race weekends of the season, the VCARB FC rebrand demonstrates how Formula 1 continues to evolve its relationship with fan culture, fashion, and跨界 partnerships. Whether trackside at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya or watching from home, fans can expect a weekend that celebrates the best of both sporting worlds.