Angry Lauda: 'How dumb can someone be?'

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F1 legend Niki Lauda has vehemently criticised Liberty Media's decision to eliminate the presence of grid girls in Formula 1.

Speaking to Austria's Der Standard, the Mercedes non-executive chairman has qualified the move as "completely incomprehensible".

"How dumb can someone be? Women have emancipated themselves and do very well at it," argues Lauda.

"So this is a decision against women."

Ecclestone blasts F1's 'prudish' decision to axe grid girls

The controversial decision to bring F1 in line with society's so-called "progressive" trends has sparked a fiery debate with opposing camps arguing the gird girl case.

"I think it's a great pity to break a tradition such as this, which does Formula 1 but above all women no favours at all."

The three-time world champion hopes there is a "way to reverse the decision", or blend girls with boys on the grid. Lauda also opposes the idea that grid girls send the wrong message to female individuals who wish to work in other areas of motor sport.

"I would not mind seeing grid boys next to the girls. Why not?" he said.

"I want to encourage rather than diminish women. But once again it is men who have decided over the heads of women."

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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.