Formula 1 Gets Rid Of Grid Girls, Citing ‘Modern Day Societal Norms’ On Track Models

Formula 1 is getting rid of the “grid girls” who wear clothing branded with sponsor names and hold up plaques bearing the names of drivers during races.

The motorsport league announced the decision Jan. 31, saying the tradition of having grid girls is outdated.

“While the practice of employing grid girls has been a staple of Formula 1 Grands Prix for decades, we feel this custom does not resonate with our brand values and clearly is at odds with modern day societal norms,” Formula 1’s managing director of commercial operations, Sean Bratches, said in the league’s statement. “We don’t believe the practice is appropriate or relevant to Formula 1 and its fans, old and new, across the world.”

The change is going into effect in the coming season, which starts in March.

Grid girls, although long a sight at the track, have been controversial. Critics say using the models promotes the objectification of women and is sexist. Others say there is more to it than modeling — a former grid girl wrote to BBC News that grid girls work harder than people realize and they bring energy to the track and to the drivers.

Formula 1 has also faced criticism through the years over the dearth of female drivers.

The Women’s Sport Trust, a British organization that advocates for women and gender equality in sports, applauded Formula 1’s decision to take the models off the grid.

“Thank you … for deciding to stop using grid girls,” the organization tweeted after the move was announced. “Another sport making a clear choice about what they want to stand for.”