What Are Grid Girls And Why Have They Been Removed From Formula One?

So, you've probably seen a lot of people are really angry about the decisions made by the Professional Darts Corporation and Formula One to do away with walk-on girls and grid girls at their events recently.

Whilst the decision in darts was revealed to have been made by the television broadcasters, the Formula One powers that be released a statement.

They said: "Over the last year we have looked at a number of areas which we felt needed updating so as to be more in tune with our vision for this great sport.

"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.

"We don't believe the practice is appropriate or relevant to Formula 1 and its fans, old and new, across the world."

PA

This seems fair enough, but - as you might expect - some people are angry about it. People are angry about everything these days.

A lot of people see it as 'snowflakes' getting offended by something that is just a small part of a sport that they love.

It's seen by some as a political-correctness-gone-mad attack on the freedom of choice of these girls who, for their part, probably quite enjoy their job and are paid well for it.

However, arguing for a woman's freedom of choice when your main interest is ogling pretty women reeks of silliness.

That said, grid girls have been around for decades and are usually used to punt some sponsor or other's product whilst looking glamourous. Quite a few grid girls have said that they are disappointed at the decision to stop using them. Jobs are being lost after all.

There is an argument that it is another example of men trying to tell women what they can and can't do when the real problem at hand is men's objectification of women.

However, in the 21^st century the F1 owners have taken a pretty brave commercial decision to try to align the sport for the 21^st century, and it is a commercial decision as much as anything.

It's certainly creating a debate about the rights and wrongs of using women in this way, which can only be a good thing.

PA

For fans of women carrying cards, there is always boxing. Eddie Hearn has said he has no plans to remove ring girls.

Topics: UK News, Boxing, Interesting, Sports, F1

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a freelance journalist and LADbible contributor. He graduated from University of London with a BA in Philosophy before studying for a Masters in Journalism at the University of Salford. He has previously written for the M.E.N Group as well as working for several top professional sports clubs. Contact him on [email protected]

@TPWagwim