Grid Kids to replace Grid Girls

LIberty Media have announced today via managing director of commercial operations Sean Bratches that 'grid girls' are set to be replaced by 'grid kids' at Grand Prix races, following the news last week that the use of women accompanying the drivers to the paddock is to be scrapped.

The decision to ditch the 'grid girls' comes as Liberty Media aims to promote a more family-friendly feel to the sport, with some critics of the tradition saying it is outdated and sexist towards females.

It has been a polarising announcement with some praising it as a step forward, while other figures like Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, and Niki Lauda lamenting the change of tradition.

Liberty don't intend to have the races completely devoid of festivities, however, as they will now have 'grid kids' instead.

“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," Bratches said in a press release.

"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.”

FIA president Jean Todt echoed the thoughts of Bratches in the release also.

“Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motor sport 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," said Todt.

"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 ASNs in their efforts to grow motorsport worldwide through a unique reward they can make available to youngsters participating in their national series.”

When Liberty Media and the FIA scrapped the use of grid girls last week, they said the practice "does not resonate with our brand values and clearly is at odds with modern day societal norms."