Use of grid girls in Formula 1 'under strong review' | F1

August 2024 ยท 2 minute read

Formula 1 bosses have confirmed the use of grid girls in the sport is "under strong review" as they look to address concerns from fans and observers.

Grid girls have been present in F1 and wider motorsport for much of its history, but the practice has been brought into question in recent years over concerns of sexism and objectification.

The FIA World Endurance Championship stopped using grid girls back in 2015, while Formula E won praise for using grid kids for the season finale in Montreal earlier this year, only to bring back grid girls for the most recent race in Hong Kong.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live as part of a special on the use of grid girls, F1 CEO Chase Carey and sporting managing director Ross Brawn confirmed that it was "under strong review" moving forward.

"We're trying to respect all parties," Brawn said.

"There's a lot of people respect the tradition of the grid girls and there are people who feel that it has become a bit dated, so we're addressing that."

Carey added: "On the list of things I have been dealing with, grid girls wasn't really up there on top, with all respect.

"Is it something from the past, or is it something distinct that should be part of the future? I don't think it will be a personal decision for me.

"I may have a point of view but, when you have a sport, you are dealing with teams and a large ecosystem and a large fanbase that is very passionate.

"There is never going to be a consensus, but a set of views."

Liberty Media has been working hard to garner fan views on a number of topics in F1 since taking over the sport in January, with grid girls set to be the latest area up for debate.

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