The “grid kids” to replace the “grid girls” in 2018!
They are ultimately children, from karting clubs in the countries visited by Formula 1, who will replace the grid girls on the starting grids of the Grand Prix in 2018.
It didn’t take long for Liberty Media to unveil its new idea to replace the grid girls who will no longer be part of the pre-race events starting from the season.
Henceforth, it will be children from karting categories who will be chosen on merit or randomly to accompany drivers on the starting grids of Formula 1 Grand Prix: « It will be an extraordinary moment for these young ones: imagine standing alongside their heroes, watching them prepare for the race, the elite of the elite in motorsport, being there, by their side in those precious few minutes just before the start. What an unforgettable experience for them and their families. An inspiration to continue driving, training, and learning so they can dream of being there one day. What better way to inspire the next generation of Formula 1 heroes, Sean Bratches, the Commercial Director of the discipline, enthuses.
Remarks confirmed by Jean Todt, the President of the FIA: « Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport and the dream of all young drivers in the junior series that make up the FIA categories, from karting to F1. We are therefore delighted to bring this dream closer by giving the future champions of our sport the opportunity to stand alongside their heroes on the grid during the race start preparations.”
These apprentice drivers will also be able to participate in the other categories of race weekends such as F2 or GP3. Their families will also be invited for the Sunday event.
