Formula 1 introduces new 'grid kids' scheme to replace girls

Formula 1 has decided to replace the sport's traditional 'grid girls' with 'grid kids' selected motorsport's entry level categories.

Young aspiring drivers, regardless of gender, racing in the lower ranks and karting will be selected by local motor sport clubs to join Grand Prix drivers on the starting grid at every race in 2018.

The initiative will be 'family-friendly' one, with the chosen ones accompanied by their relatives who will enjoy full access to the F1 paddock for the race weekend.

"This will be an extraordinary moment for these youngsters,” said F1 managing director or commercial operations Sean Bratches.

"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.”

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"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."

FIA president Jean Todt is also offering his full support for the plan.

"Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motor sport and the dream of every young racer competing the junior series that make up the FIA's single-seater pyramid, from karting all the way to F1.

"We are therefore delighted to bring that dream a little closer by giving the future champions of our sport the opportunity to stand alongside their heroes on the grid in the build-up to the race start.

"For the wider FIA, this is an excellent initiative that provides additional support to our member ASNs in their efforts to grow motorsport worldwide through a unique reward they can make available to youngsters participating in their national series."

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