F1 Replaces Grid Girls with Grid Kids

By Adam Tate, Associate Editor

Just a week after banning the use of grid girls from 2018, Formula 1 has unveiled their replacement and have come up with the perfect solution; grid kids.

Instead of scantily clad ladies, kids will now get to experience the joy of the Grand Prix starting grid alongside their heroes. Most of the grid kids will be younger racers from karting or junior formulas. The youngsters will be selected by the local and regional motorsport associations to join not only the F1 drivers on the grid, but the F2, Gp3 and other support races as well. In addition they and their immediate families will get to join the paddock for race day.

“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,” said F1 managing director of commercial operations Sean Bratches.

With the much celebrated decision to end the practice of grid girls and this new grid kids initiative, Liberty Media and the FIA have scored a one-two punch of PR gold and ensured a new level of excitement and cuteness that will be coming soon to a grid near you.