F1's team bosses: 'Keep the grid girls!'

Several F1 team bosses have chimed in on the great 'grid girl' debate, believing Formula 1 has no reason to scrap the presence of the women on the grid.

Ross Brawn revealed last week that the sport is considering ending the appearance of the charming girls on Sundays, with many considering the tradition to be nothing more than a sexist anachronism in this day and age of political correctness.

Daniel Ricciardo, Max Verstappen and Nico Hulkenberg are all in favour of keeping the grid girl tradition alive, and so are a few of F1's team bosses.

"Grid girls were an integral part of Formula 1 for many years," says Ferrari's Maurizio Arrivabene.

"I think Ross Brawn has more complex and important things to take care of," he said.

Gallery: The best of F1's grid girls

Niki Lauda told Austrian broadcaster Servus TV: "The emancipation of women is perfectly right, and in fact they are in the process of overtaking us.

"But why should they not be allowed to stand on the grid anymore?"

Lauda's feelings were echoed by his countryman and friend Helmut Marko.

"I just cannot imagine that," said the Red Bull motorsport boss.

"In America, cheerleaders appear before, during and after every game so I see no reason why this should not be done in formula one.

"I think we have other worries," he said.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.