Grid girls to remain at Monaco

Grid girls are likely to make an appearance at this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix, despite Formula 1's ban. Automobile Club de Monaco president Michel Boeri has previously said the allure of the Monte Carlo showpiece would not be the same without glamourous models present.

Liberty Media made the decision to remove women from the grid, holding drivers' number boards, in order to reflect "modern-day societal norms" and 'grid kids' have instead accompanied drivers to their cars in 2018.

The Press Association has reported that one of the race's sponsors will despatch male and female models to the grid pre-race in order to promote their brand.

It is suggested that they will be on hand to take photos with drivers, which will be shared on social media.

Fans and some drivers alike have bemoaned the departure of grid girls from F1, but Boeri has previously said they will remain in place in Monaco, although perhaps in a different role.

"Our American friends have decided a woman holding a number plate is detrimental to the female image," Boeri told Nice-Matin last month.

"Well, our hostesses come from schools for models and communication. Their appearance at the Grand Prix weekend is part of their training, they are paid for it at the same time.

"We demand flawless appearance. They are elegant and helpful to the reputation of Monaco.

"The girls will be there absolutely, with no number plate, but as a representative of the race.

"They are beautiful and belong to the Formula 1 landscape. Would we be expected to prevent 30 young women completing their education and earning money?"

Organisers of the Russian Grand Prix also added calls to keep grid girls in September's Sochi event.

Dmitry Kozak, Russia's deputy prime minister and head of the Russian Grand Prix organising committee argues that children might be "scared" on the track.

"Here it should be adults," he is quoted by Russian news agency Interfax. "In all forms of motor sport there are girls advertising cars harmoniously and pleasantly.

"If we manage to reach agreement we plan to reinstate this tradition. After all, our girls are the most beautiful."