Fans have been disappointed by Liberty Media’s decision to axe the grid girls from 2018 onward, as announced last week. Instead, the FIA and Formula One have formed a partnership called Grid Kids, which will feature kids on the starting grids.
The partnership is aimed towards promoting and motivating young drivers who are competing in kart racing or other junior formulae. They will be chosen by their motorsport clubs or by a lottery. The selected Grid Kids will be joined by their immediate family, who will also gain access to the paddock on Sunday. Different Grid Kids will be selected for each round of the championship, as well as for the support races.
Sean Bratches, the F1 Managing Director of Commercial Operations, hopes that the new partnership will inspire young drivers to continue their journey:
“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. 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.”
The Formula One season starts on March 25 in Melbourne for the 2018 FORMULA 1 ROLEX AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX.
