Grid kids to replace grid girls in 2018
- Published on 05 Feb 2018 16:35
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- By: Sam Gale
F1 will replace grid girls with grid kids for the coming season. The decision to no longer use models on the starting grid was made last week, with F1 managing director of commercial operations, Sean Bratches, saying the practice of using grid girls did not fit in with companies values.
The grid kids programme will see aspiring racing drivers from each countries various karting and junior formula series, and will be chosen by national motorsport clubs according to either performance or lottery. The kids will be accompanied by their immediate family who will also get paddock access for their particular Grand Prix.
Sean Bratches said this on the new initiative: “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.
"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.”
Sam Gale
1
Replies (27)
Login to replyKevin
Posts: 5,341
Great. Spoiled brats on the grid. Way to go!
f1dave
Posts: 782
Already too many people on the grid so lets let more whole families out there. It's not about racing to Liberty . . .just a show, and shows soon lose their appeal as the crowd moves on to the next new thing.
Major Tom
Posts: 152
A Paddock Pass doesn't allow you onto the grid - so no crowding issue.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Ah, thats a good point Major Tom.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I like the concept, but I agree about the risk of overcrowding.
Rindtchamp
Posts: 304
Terrible idea. So they don't want men leering at sexy women, but they are happy to have paedophiles leering at kids.
Liberty are a joke, talk about lunatics taking over the asylum.
Bernie come back please.
xoya
Posts: 583
WTF mate?
RenaultFM1
Posts: 100
Not just a joke but a company that destroy all FM1 Gen history just wait and see.
Major Tom
Posts: 152
I think its a clever move and one which will be popular with the broadcasters.
SPERX
Posts: 21
So we get to have entitled brats,with wealthy families to fund their racing, strutting their stuff on the grid. The pushy parents will be there too, jostling and shoving to get their 45 seconds fame with Martin Brundle hoping to pick up a sponsor.
It is almost as if Liberty want to destroy F1 to facilitate world domination by NASCAR.
Barron
Posts: 625
I hear those violins playing again...?
RenaultFM1
Posts: 100
Harpes....
NSBiker
Posts: 18
They could get the parents to pay for the privileged.
Bhurt
Posts: 320
Why not put orphaned pets on the grid and have people phoning in to adopt them. And the team that manages to adopt away the most animals get to burn a set amount of oil in their fuel.
Freguz
Posts: 160
Haha excellent!
dr002
Posts: 141
……..at an F1 marketing meeting in the not too distant future….
RESEARCHER 1: “….. Well, our market research indicates that overwhelmingly those within our ‘core’ target market appear to: be engaged by speed; revel in the design, engineering and aesthetics of products; appreciate professional, sporting and technological excellence; enjoy a bit of glamour and escapism; and be fascinated by / aligned with excellence ….”
RESEARCHER 2: “…. Yes, and it would seem they are predominately upwardly mobile hetro males over the age of 25, which, coincidentally, is a market that aligns with our sponsors!”
SENIOR MARKETER: “……. OK, so what other things could we possible do to add some ‘pizazz’ to the event that aligns with our ‘core’ target market……….hmmmm”
TRAINEE MARKETER: “ Well 'everyone' enjoys a bit of glamour and escapism, and hetro guys like girls, so why not incorporate the two!…..”
SENIOR MARKETER: “……. YES! BRILLIANT!! We could replace the grid kids with ‘professional’ models!! and have them tastefully outfitted by the host city or a major sponsor!!!...........BOOM!!!!
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
More gimmicks!
RenaultFM1
Posts: 100
Formula 1 is a man's world and not a family event. Just not think Kids should be around but maybe it is me that are wrong.
Liberty media should get lost..
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Except it is very much a family thing world wide. Wanting the sport to only serve us men is nonsense, both from business logic and common sense.
KyalamiKid
Posts: 146
I loved watching with my dad, now I love watching with my son. F1 is and should be a family event. I think it s a good idea to get the young racers closer their heroes, much like the ball kids in football or tennis.
kngrthr
Posts: 203
i hope they give the kids hearing protection.
young ears will be damaged by racing engines etc
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
The concept is good, implementation thought remains to be seen. Good riddance to the grid girls. Too many pervs everywhere butthurt over this LMAO. They need to stop torturing their hands and date real women instead.
Barron
Posts: 625
And again, more comments on this subject than any other subject on F1 Today EVER. Just shows where our head is at. Same on most other forums..
reg
Posts: 162
When they said they were getting rid of Grid Girls, I assumed they were doing it so we could see the cars and drivers more (apart from the current sexist nonsense) but no we are going to be distracted with interviews with children, boys and I presume 50% will be girls. Wont be long before 20% will have to be trans and 10% in wheelchairs, 5% blind and 7.5% deaf.
Its supposed to be a car race!
Its all utter drivel!
RogerF1
Posts: 501
In Japan maybe they will have grid robots, the cute chunky white ones with the big eyes. Seriously grid kids is not a bad alternative, could have been worse. As it’s American owned could have been over sized (Disney type) cartoon characters going around hugging everyone. Could have been a 3m high Bernie even, smiling and hugging everybody!
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
A smiling, hugging Bernie is a truly horrifying thought...
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
Bernie is a pedophile, just that he hasn't been caught in the act yet.