Formula One Swaps Out 'Grid Girls' for 'Grid Kids'

Late last month, Formula One announced it would no longer be using the professionally employed models colloquially known as grid girls, starting with the 2018 season. The rationale, according to managing director of commercial operations Sean Bratches, was that times had changed.

“While the practice of employing grid girls has been a staple of Formula 1 Grands Prix for decades, we feel this custom does not resonate with our brand values and clearly is at odds with modern day societal norms,” Bratches explained in a release. “We don’t believe the practice is appropriate or relevant to Formula 1 and its fans, old and new, across the world.”

The decision was mocked as a prudish response to PC culture by some, while others praised it as a major victory against the objectification of women. Regardless, the women won’t be coming back in March. However, there will be a replacement. In a recent announcement, F1 said it will replace its grid girls with “Grid Kids.”

Don’t worry, the FIA hasn’t endorsed putting children into semi-revealing clothing. Instead, it’s allowing young fans to walk out onto the track and briefly meet drivers as they enter their cars. Families will also have paddock access for race Sunday.

According to F1, winners will either be selected via lottery or chosen by the various motorsport clubs “based on merit.” While that probably means there will be a lot of wealthy tykes (and their dads) meeting their driving heroes, it won’t be exclusive to families with deep pockets and good connections. There is a catch, though: all youngsters must be participants in a karting or junior racing league.

“This will be an extraordinary moment for these youngsters: imagine, standing beside their heroes, watch as they prepare to race, the elite of the elite in motorsport, to be there, alongside them in those precious few minutes just before the start,” Bratches said. “What an unforgettable experience, for them, and their families. An inspiration to keep driving, training and learning so that they can dream of one day being there themselves. What better way to inspire the next generation of Formula 1 heroes.”

Exactly what the kids will be doing, beyond hanging out, is unspecified. It doesn’t matter though because, unlike the models, the children won’t be getting paid to participate. The FIA says Grid Kids will be chosen at every Formula 1 race, as well as other series like F2 and GP3 “where possible.” We’ll see how they do on March 25 at the 2018 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

[Image: FIA]