"Because of these feminists, we lost our jobs": "Formula 1" refused girls with signs
The owners of the Formula 1 racing series refused grid girls - girls who held signs with the names of pilots and sponsors before the races. Their work was called "contrary to modern social norms and inconsistent with the values of the brand."
Formula 1 Commercial Director Sean Bratches explained this decision as follows: "The appearance of grid girls has been one of the main features of F-1 for decades, but this tradition does not converge with what we consider the main values of Formula 1 as a brand. This is contrary to modern social norms. We also do not believe that this tradition is suitable for modern Formula 1 and its fans, both old and new."
In December 2017, Formula 1's plans to get rid of grid girls were supported by the women's sports association: "We sincerely believe that marketers and sponsors recognize that in the XXI century the presence of models with signs on the starting grid is unacceptable. This puts men and women in an unequal position. Continuing this outdated practice, the organizers of boxing, auto and motorcycle races miss the opportunity to attract a new audience of fans."
They tried to abandon grid girls before: in 2015, young men stood with signs instead of girls at the Monaco Grand Prix, but this innovation was criticized.
The girls themselves are unhappy that everything was decided for them.
And eight years later, in 2018, we were simply banned from Formula 1 - apparently, we went out of fashion and do not fit into modern values. However, these values do not allow women to do things that we love and are proud of — one cannot help wondering: maybe the modern world has become somewhat strange in general?
It is ridiculous that women who supposedly fight for women's rights decide what others should and should not do. It prevents us from doing the work we are proud of."
Rebecca Cooper
Lauren-Jade Pope
Natalie O'Brien
The decision was criticized by the honorary president of Formula 1, Bernie Ecclestone, and Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel.
Bernie Ecclestone
Sebastian Vettel
At the beginning of 2017, Formula 1 was bought by Liberty Media. The new owners hired a new administrative team, and radically changed the logo and graphic style of the racing series, which caused dissatisfaction with some fans.
Keywords: Car racing | Girls | Sexism | Feminism | Formula 1