FE digs F1 over grid girls despite more recent usage

Formula E has aimed a dig at Formula 1 over its decision to scrap grid girls for the 2018 season - despite having engaged in the practice more recently than its counterpart.

F1 announced earlier this week it would no longer be using grid girls from the opening race of the new season, acting as a major talking point both in motorsport and the wider sporting world throughout the week.

Formula E issued a statement following F1’s announcement in which it explained its own usage of ‘grid kids’, giving aspiring racers the chance to get closer to their heroes.

“We’re glad to welcome F1 to the 21st century. Formula E stopped using grid girls last year already, but we just didn’t feel the need to shout about it,” a spokesperson from Formula E said.

“We’re using a new concept and focusing on grid kids, and where possible we involve young and aspiring drivers that race in junior go-kart championships.

“It’s a great and emotional experience for these kids to be on the starting grid, next to the drivers and cars that they might drive one day, so hopefully it also works as a good motivation for them. The concept is working really well.”

The grid kid concept proved a hit at the Season 3 finale in Montreal, prompting Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag to say they would remain for all future races.

However, in response to the statement, Crash.net enquired about Formula E’s usage of grid girls at the Season 4 opening round in Hong Kong that took place at the beginning of December - one week after F1’s last race with grid girls in Abu Dhabi.

A Formula E spokesperson ensured that the usage of grid girls in Hong Kong was “specifically requested” by the local promoter, adding: “This won’t be the case in the future.”

The next Formula E race takes place today (February 3) in Santiago, Chile.