Grid Girl slams 'sexist' claims as F1 consider changes

A Grid Girl working in Formula 2 has slammed the interpretation of their role in the sport and believes they have much more to offer, as Liberty Media admit that their role on race day is up for review following claims of exism.

F1 CEO Chase Carey has discussed the continued role of the grid girl in the pit lanes, while managing director Ross Brawn has stated that the situation is a 'delicate topic'.

But Carolyn Mooney from Scotland, who has worked in F2 over a decade and a half, believes there is a misunderstanding as to what her role involves, and sought to clarify the situation.

She told the Daily Record: "It’s about interacting with fans.

“A grid girl is not just there to stand pretty and be in pictures. Good ones can talk about the races and get down to younger kids’ level by asking them what they love about motorsport and chat about races.

“It just brings everything together rather than the public just standing in a line at an autograph signing ­session ­waiting their turn. Our job is to make people feel part of the team.

“A lot of teams expect their grid girls to have a large social media following before they’re even invited to join the team so that’s another interaction. I have a degree in marketing and there are girls I work with who work in the legal ­profession. This isn’t our main career – it’s just a fun sideline.

“This is just about adding to the ­entertainment of the day. But nothing is more important than the racing.”

Mooney also thinks that an increase in women drivers would greatly assist the overall acceptance of women at all levels of the sport.

She added: “If there were more women drivers, there would be more grid boys and we probably wouldn’t be having this debate.

“There are more female engineers and mechanics in motorsport – but there needs to be more female drivers or riders."