F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Chase Carey's view: 'Personally, I liked the grid girls!'

F1 CEO Chase Carey was apparently not opposed to keeping the grid girls in Formula 1, but the fans' negative feelings towards the female presence ultimately prevailed.

Formula 1 decided last week to replace the traditional 'glamour girls' on the Grand Prix grid with kids and aspiring young champions, starting this year.

The move sparked a lively debate among the F1 and fan community, and beyond, as progressive minds and those in favour of respecting the tradition argued their case.

"I think the reaction was what we expected," the F1 boss told the media.

"Actually if you just left it up to me personally, I like the grid girls. But it's not a decision for me, it's a decision for fans."

Carey added that at the center of F1's decision was the fans' view that the grid girls concept was "exploitative".

Some, however, think the move has taken a big bite out of F1's glamorous side.

"We're going to maintain glamour," Carey said.

"We're going to continue to have pretty girls at races. But I think you have to continue to evolve."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Magali Duqué

Recent Posts

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

8 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

10 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

11 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

13 hours ago

The rapid rise and fall of Super Aguri in F1

Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…

14 hours ago

Ferrari's 2024 Season: Marked improvement and a fight to the finish

Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…

15 hours ago