Last month, managing director of commercial operations, Sean Bratches, told media about their possible decision of replacing the grid girls. He asserted that the change would be in accordance to the sports best interest and the change would depict “our vision for this great sport”.
He added, ” grid girls does not resonate with our brand values and clearly is at odds with modern day societal norms”.
Formula 1 is struggling for the fan base, for which the bosses are trying to capture more share of the sports audience. FIA is on onboard with the new decisions being made by F1 group. The F1 female icons are to be replaced on the starting grid by the potential kids and they intend “to make the pre-race ceremony more relevant and interesting for fans, especially the younger ones”.
The budding drivers team will be encapsulated by national motorsport authorities, mostly designated from karting or junior categories.
The selection of “Grid Kids” could be “on merit or by lottery”, according to a joint statement released by FIA and F1 group.
President of governing body FIA Jean Todt said: “Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport and the dream of every young racer competing the junior series that make up the FIA’s single-seater pyramid, from karting all the way to F1.
“We are therefore delighted to bring that dream a little closer by giving the future champions of our sport the opportunity to stand alongside their heroes on the grid in the build-up to the race start.
“For the wider FIA, this is an excellent initiative that provides additional support to our member (sporting authorities) in their efforts to grow motorsport worldwide through a unique reward they can make available to youngsters participating in their national series.”
Bratches said: “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?”
