Alesi 'not in favour' of grid girls abolition

Former Formula One driver Jean Alesi has insisted that he is 'not in favour' of the abolition of grid girls as it was previously a 'well-oiled system' that allowed women to work in F1, but did claim he is a fan of the introduction of the halo device.

Liberty Media and the FIA have implemented two major changes recently in Formula One, and that is ditching grid girls in favour of 'grid kids' on the paddock, and the introduction of the new halo safety device.

The grid girls decision in particular has proved to be polarising and received worldwide media attention due to the social impact it could have on the sport.

Alesi is in the camp which thinks the decision was a mistake, but admitted he is a fan of the halo.

"I can state absolutely that I am in favour of the Halo," said the Frenchman.

"It is a pity that the aesthetics of the cars will be affected, but the most important thing is the safety of the drivers. On the other hand, I am not in favour of either the abolition of the grid girls or the new grid kid project.

"By abolishing the grid girls, we have eliminated a well-oiled system that allowed many women to work. I am in favour of highlighting young athletes and drivers, but not in this way."

Alesi's son, Giuliano, is also a driver, and has recently been re-signed by Ferrari's junior driver academy, but also in GP. He doesn't want the kid competing in F1 anytime soon, however.

"I would lie down in front of the pit exit!

"Giuliano must only think about GP3. If he wants to sit in a formula one car, then he can jump in one at home and I'll take a picture."