🏁 On the Grid: The History of Grid Girls in Formula 1

From glam tradition to cultural shift, here’s how grid girls went from a race-day staple to a chapter in F1 history.

1960s - The Glamour Enters the Grid

The concept of grid girls began in the mid-to-late 1960s, inspired by the promotional models seen in motorsport events like MotoGP and IndyC

ar. They were hired to bring a touch of glamour, pose with cars, and hold signage during race ceremonies.

• Role: Purely decorative and promotional

• Look: Mini skirts, go-go boots, bold makeup - very “Swinging Sixties” energy

1970s–1980s - Cementing the Tradition

By the 1970s, grid girls became an expected part of the F1 spectacle. Their outfits often reflected team colours or sponsor branding. As the sponsorship era exploded, grid girls were used to amplify brand visibility.

• Look: Logo-heavy uniforms, coordinated team styling, sometimes jumpsuits

• Notable Change: Use of branded umbrellas and flags for photo ops

1990s — Peak Popularity

The 1990s saw grid girls at their most prominent. TV coverage often lingered on them before races, and their image became tied to the “glamorous” side of F1.

• Look: More revealing outfits, polished hair and makeup

• Criticism Emerges: Conversations began around objectification and whether the role added value beyond aesthetics

2000s — Branding Overload & Public Debate

In the 2000s, the marketing focus intensified. Grid girls were often dressed head-to-toe in sponsor colours (think Marlboro red, Vodafone silver, or Petronas teal). However, growing awareness of gender representation sparked more public discussion.

• 2006–2010: First waves of criticism

  in mainstream media and fan forums

• Look: Tight mini dresses, heels, bold lipstick — the hyper-glam look solidified

2010–2017 - Changing Attitudes

The cultural climate began shifting. Many argued that the role no longer fit with F1’s evolving, inclusive image. Some races began replacing grid girls with grid kids — young karting talents given the chance to stand with drivers before the start.

• 2015: First Grand Prix weekends experimented with no grid girls at all

• Look: Still glamorous, but less central to the broadcast

2018 — The Official End

In January 2018, Formula 1 announced the retirement of the grid girl tradition. The decision was part of the sport’s rebranding under Liberty Media, with a focus on modern values and broader inclusivity.

• Quote from F1: “The custom does not resonate with our brand values and clearly is at odds with modern societal norms.”

• Replacement: Grid kids became the new standard, offering young racers a career-inspiring moment

Post-2018 — Legacy & Reinvention

While the role officially ended, the aesthetic didn’t disappear. The “grid girl look” now appears as a form of self-expression - worn by fans, influencers, and women in the paddock on their own terms. It’s no longer a uniform handed out - it’s a choice.

💬 From mini skirts to empowerment, the story of grid girls is part of F1’s evolution—and proof that motorsport style always finds a way to reinvent itself.