Grid girl slams F1 decision ‘made by men’
A MISS Supercars winner has slammed Formula 1’s decision to axe models from race tracks and says she is shocked a “boardroom with a bunch of men” could damage the career prospects of young women.
“Being a grid girl used to be about the tiny checkered bikini tops and dresses so small you didn’t want to bend over in, but now it’s changed so much,” said Miss Supercars 2015 winner Katie Stevens.
“I was really shocked to hear they are getting rid of grid girls.
“This sounds super judgmental but I guarantee it was a boardroom with a bunch of men who said we’re changing the image, get rid of the grid girls because of the first impression that they think of is that they’ve got a tartiness to them.”
Formula 1 yesterday announced it would end the long-standing practice of using walk-on grid girls ahead of the Australian Grand Prix next month because the practice was inappropriate and “clearly is at odds with modern day societal norms”.
But Ms Stevens, 27, said she never once felt objectified while working as a grid girl or “brand ambassador”.
She said winning the Miss Supercars crown opened up doors in her career – like it had with models such as Jennifer Hawkins, who went on to become Miss Universe 2004 and is now a brand ambassador and TV presenter, and Kyly Clarke, whose career has included modelling, acting and being a Weather Channel presenter.
“There are girls who are employed full time in the corporate world who are getting time off to be a brand ambassador or work on weekends, it’s not like they’re bikini waitresses,” Ms Stevens said. “There’s good money in it. “The term ‘grid girls’ gives a different perception to what they are. I would say they’re more brand ambassadors.”
In a statement, Supercars said it would not follow Formula 1’s lead to cut its grid girls program.
“Supercars is focused on being respectful and ensuring the sport is presented in a professional manner which reflects modern day societal standards,” the statement said.
“The engagement of male and female brand ambassadors is subject to regular review based on these standards, and these reviews are ongoing.”
Procon marketing director Selina MacDonald, who organises the Miss Supercars events, said the move by Formula 1 was a step too far.
“When is it going to end? Are they going to stop modelling pageants, fashion parades or modelling in general?” Ms MacDonald said.
“I think it’s people who don’t know what the program is at all.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said he loved grid girls.
“I have to say, I love anything that gets the adrenalin going – and the grid girls have got my adrenalin going,” Cr Tate said.