Ecclestone 'confused' at grid girls' F1 departure

Bernie Ecclestone is "confused" at Liberty Media's decision to remove grid girls from Formula 1 weekends. The former F1 supremo, who has previously hit out at the move, does not expect the move to boost attendances or viewing figures in the sport.

Grid girls had previously added to the glitz and the glamour Ecclestone traded on to make F1 a global sport, but Liberty's decision was made "to reflect societal changes" in 2018.

Leading driver Sebastian Vettel said he was "sad" to see no grid girls present at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

And Ecclestone says he is puzzled to see Liberty moving away from the American tradition of cheerleaders at sporting events.

"I am surprised that the new, American Formula 1 management came up with such an idea," Ecclestone told Welt.

"Last year at the grand prix in Austin there was - as with all other sporting events - cheerleaders, an American tradition.

"And that should just disappear now from Formula 1? Strange.

"I am confused about this decision because it will not bring more spectators to the track or in front of the TV."

Liberty have been at odds with Ferrari and Mercedes over proposed regulation changes in 2021.

The Scuderia have threatened to quit if engine regulations and budget caps that they do not agree with are introduced and Ecclestone says Liberty's attempts to save money are driving teams away.

"I ran the company to earn money for the teams and shareholders," Ecclestone added. "And these transactions were transparent and understandable to everyone involved.

"The contracts and the balance sheets were always visible. So I think that they were satisfied with my job.

"At the moment, I feel that the new management does not intend to make money for the teams and shareholders."