Back to the Auto Racing Newsfeed

Bernie Ecclestone: Nothing offensive about a pretty women standing next to a car

Bernie Ecclestone has labelled Formula One's decision to end its use of 'grid girls' as "prudish".

The former F1 boss introduced promotional models to the grid in the 1980s and the practice has continued right through to the present day. Ecclestone's tenure in charge of the sport ended last year when American media company Liberty Media completed its takeover, handing the octogenarian an honorary but powerless role as chairman emeritus.

After a review which started at the end of 2017, F1's new bosses decided the use of promotional models no longer sits in line with their brand values.