Celebrating Japanese car culture and cherry blossom; Racing Bulls unveil one-off livery

Visa Cash App Racing Bulls have unveiled a special one-off livery for the Japanese Grand Prix, celebrating multiple facets of the vast nation such as the car culture and cherry blossom season.

The bespoke design was created in collaboration with famed calligrapher Bisen Aoyagi, who’s signature calligraphy skills are seen in the revised team kit for the weekend, with the “Give You Wiiings” motif expressed in red shodo brush strokes.  

As for the car, the VCARB03 features a reworking of the team’s regular colours into a white, red and silver palette – inspired by the Sakura themed Spring Edition of the Red Bull energy drink.

“Calligraphy captures motion in a single stroke, much like racing captures speed in a pivotal moment,” said Aoyagi at the launch event as part of the Red Bull Tokyo Drift in Shibuya.   

“I was inspired by cherry blossoms and the culture of Japan to create a design that feels powerful, elegant and alive on the car,” she added.

The event also featured a collection of 500 curated custom cars, paying homage to Japan’s underground car culture. As well as a drifting display from Red Bull legend “Mad” Mike Whiddett.

CEO of Racing Bulls in Peter Bayer hailed the bold and unique design saying, “As a team, we’re always looking for ways to connect with young fans and the cultures that shape our sport.”

“Unveiling this special livery and team kit in Tokyo, in front of the passionate fans at Red Bull Tokyo Drift, makes this moment even more special for our team.”

Ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka this weekend, the special edition VCARB03 will take to the streets of Tokyo to visit some iconic landmarks such as Tokyo Tower and the Meguro River – with cherry blossom season in full swing to provide an apt backdrop.

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Written by

Jawad Yaqub

An eCommerce Specialist by day and reporting on F1 by night. Jawad is passionate about motorsport, having provided accredited F1 coverage for more than a decade. Live blogging (almost) every grand prix too since 2014, as well as articles on the Supercars Championship. Also keen on sustainability, photography, collecting vinyl, (trying to) expertly barbeque and learning to Dad.

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