Do you think ‘grid girls’ should be banned in F1?

The F1 season starts on March 25 at the Australian Grand Prix.

There will be no more “grid girls” before Formula 1 races and no more “podium girls” celebrating with the drivers after them.

At previous F1 races, women dressed in uniform would walk out onto the grid shortly before the start and then stand in front of each driver’s car, holding up the driver’s number. Women would also stand alongside the winner on the podium after the race.

F1 said it will end the long-standing practice of using women on the grid and on the podium with the top three drivers.

Sean Bratches, F1’s managing director of commercial operations, said: “We feel this custom does not resonate with our brand values and clearly is at odds with modern day societal norms. We don’t believe the practice is appropriate or relevant to Formula One and its fans, old and new, across the world.”

Outspoken Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg has signalled support for Formula One bosses banning “grid girls” because he believes women should be treated with respect.

He said: “I believe in a free society where people should be free to do what they want. But, as you know, I’m quite old fashioned and I believe in treating ladies with respect.”

“And I don’t think grid girls is treating ladies with respect.”

“In fact, I think it is viewing them, it is objectifying them, and, frankly, I have never felt comfortable with it.”

Supermodel Naomi Campbell has weighed in on Formula One’s controversial decision to abolish the role of grid girls, saying she has never found the practice “offensive”.

What are your views? Do you think the ‘grid girls’ should go? Is it time to end this long-running tradition? Do you find it offensive?