Formula One management has put an end to the longstanding tradition of using grid girls after it was decided that this practice no longer reflected Liberty Media’s brand values and society’s values. The change will also impact some other motorsport disciplines that are tied in with Formula One.
The other series include Formula 2 and GP3, both of which are support events that are held during the Formula One race weekend. The change is part of Liberty Media’s brand overhaul for the sport and was largely expected due to society’s rapidly increasing disapproval of the objectification of women.
Grid girls have been used in Formula One for decades. There were signs that the grid girl tradition was on the chopping block a few years ago when the sport used grid boys at the 2015 Monaco Grand Prix. The idea was not well received, most notably by Sebastian Vettel who gave the idea his stamp of disapproval in the press conference. The idea was a one-off.
The change comes into effect immediately, meaning that there will be no grid girls employed at the Australian Grand Prix.
