Singapore also bucks the trend - brings back grid girls

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The organisers of the Singapore Grand Prix have a mind of their own when it comes to grid girls, and and have every intention on circumventing Formula 1's ban on the practice next Sunday.

After Austria and Russia, Singapore will retain a female presence on the event's grid with the race's sponsor, Singapore Airlines, showcasing a delegation of "iconic cabin crew grid girls", according to Yahoo Lifestyle.

"Our cabin crew are brand ambassadors for Singapore Airlines and will continue to play an integral role in the upcoming Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix," the company said in a statement.

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Local public relations specialist Dean Shams, the founder of KinetigBuzz, admits that Singapore Airlines and Liberty Media just aren't on the same page when it comes to judging the gird girl conundrum.

"Liberty Media sees the grid girl as a form of sexism since they typically exude a sexual persona with their scantily clad outfits," said Shams.

"Singapore Airlines and Singapore, on the other hand, see Singapore girls as a local icon. In that respect, they seem like a good fit to represent Singapore's brand of uniqueness and hospitality," he added.

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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.