FIA & F1 Launch Grid Kids Initiative to replace Grid Girls

Grid Kids

Formula One and the FIA have announced a new partnership, called Grid Kids, to make the pre-race ceremony more relevant and interesting for fans, particularly children.

The joint initiative will involve the local Grand Prix promoter working alongside ASNs – the FIA-recognized national sporting authorities – who will provide a unique opportunity to children and their families to be part of one of the most exclusive and exciting moments of the whole race weekend.

The youngsters will be chosen by their motorsport clubs on merit, or by lottery, and will already be competing in karting or junior formula events. The lucky few will then be able to accompany and stand alongside the 20 Formula One drivers on the grid as they prepare for the race.

“Formula One is the pinnacle of motor sport and the dream of every young racer competing the junior series that make up the FIA’s single-seater pyramid, from karting all the way to F-1," said FIA President Jean Todt. “We are therefore delighted to bring that dream a little closer by giving the future champions of our sport the opportunity to stand alongside their heroes on the grid in the build-up to the race start. For the wider FIA, this is an excellent initiative that provides additional support to our member ASNs in their efforts to grow motorsport worldwide through a unique reward they can make available to youngsters participating in their national series."

“This will be an extraordinary moment for these youngsters: imagine, standing beside their heroes, watch as they prepare to race, the elite of the elite in motorsport, to be there, alongside them in those precious few minutes just before the start," said Sean Bratches, F-1 Managing Director of Commercial Operations. “What an unforgettable experience, for them, and their families. An inspiration to keep driving, training and learning so that they can dream of one day being there themselves. What better way to inspire the next generation of Formula One heroes."

The Grid Kids will be chosen at every Formula One race, and where possible, also for the major feeder series like F2 and GP3. They will be accompanied by their immediate family, who will have paddock access on race day.