Motorsport: Grid kids replace grid girls in Formula One

Grid kids will replace the grid girls. Photo / Photosport

Grid kids will replace the grid girls in Formula One racing.

F1 plans to use young racing drivers during the pre-race ceremonies, allowing national motorsport bosses to choose the kids "on merit or by lottery".

FIA president 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."

Another official said the kids would be able to "stand by their heroes" providing an "unforgettable experience for them and their families".

It would hopefully inspire them to keep pursuing their own racing dreams.

The kids will stand alongside the F1 stars on the grid at every Grand Prix, while they will also appear at Formula 2 and GP3 races when possible.

F1 has scrapped the glamorous grid girls saying it is at odds with "modern-day societal norms".

Motor racing legend Niki Lauda has been a chief critic of the move, but supporters include the United Kingdom's Women's Sports Trust which tweeted "Thank you @F1 for deciding to stop using grid girls. Another sport making a clear choice about what they want to stand for."

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