Formula 1 has confirmed that it will end the practice of walk-on grid girls in the sport with immediate effect.
The use of grid girls, who typically hold a board – containing a driver's name and number – has been a discussion point for several years, with Formula 1 chiefs revealing in 2017 that the concept was under review.
On Wednesday, it was announced that grid girls will no longer be a part of the sport, with the decision also extending to support events at Grands Prix.
A statement confirmed that Formula 1 regarded "the time spent by teams and drivers on the grid before a race as one of celebration, where guests and various performers can add to the glamour and spectacle of the Grand Prix, enabling promoters and partners to showcase their countries and products."
Commercial chief Sean Bratches explained the decision, commenting: "Over the last year we have looked at a number of areas which we felt needed updating so as to be more in tune with our vision for this great sport.
"While the practice of employing grid girls has been a staple of Formula 1 Grands Prix for decades, we feel this custom does not resonate with our brand values and clearly is at odds with modern day societal norms.
"We don’t believe the practice is appropriate or relevant to Formula 1 and its fans, old and new, across the world.”
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