FORMULA ONE

will swap grid girls for grid kids — to make the race build-up ‘more relevant and interesting for fans’. The announcement came as the backlash against last week’s decision to scrap grid girls continued. Instead, children will take part in the pre-race ceremonies, starting at the season’s opening round in Melbourne on March 25. The governing FIA said in a statement: ‘The youngsters will be chosen by the (local) motorsport clubs and will already by competing in karting or junior formulas. ‘The lucky few will then be able to stand alongside the 20 best drivers in the world on the grid as they prepare for the race.’ F1’s move follows the Professional Darts Corporation ditching walk-on girls.