Monaco Grand Prix set to defy F1 bosses by bringing back grid girls this weekend
Liberty Media, the owners of F1, have previously said grid girls were 'at odds with societal norms'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Monaco Grand Prix organisers are set to defy Formula One's American owners by employing grid girls before Sunday's race.
Liberty Media removed F1's long-standing tradition of using female models at the beginning of the year after denouncing the practice as "at odds with modern-day societal norms".
Liberty has since rolled out its grid kids scheme, with 20 children already involved in the junior ranks of motorsport lining up in front of the drivers prior to the start of the race.
The grid kids will still be used in Monte Carlo on Sunday, but the glamorous race is also primed to see the return of grid models.
Press Association Sport understands female and male representatives of Tag Heuer - which shares a long-term relationship with the Monaco Grand Prix - will take to the grid in the moments before the race.
They will capture pictures of the drivers, which will be posted to social media, and also relay messages from the sport's fans.
The models, however, will not hold the drivers' grid placards, as had been the sport's long-term practice until this season.
The move by Liberty to scrub grid girls from the F1 calendar back in January received a mixed response.
Sebastian Vettel, the four-time champion, admitted he was saddened by the decision, while Lewis Hamilton published a message to Instagram in which he wrote: "Thank you Jesus" on news of a possible grid girls U-turn, before deleting and then distancing himself from the post.
Jean Todt, president for F1's governing body the FIA, earlier this year blasted the furore around the decision as "bulls***".
The Russian Grand Prix in Sochi may follow Monaco's example after the country's deputy prime minister Dmitry Kozak vowed to bring female models back for their race in September.
"Here it should be adults," Kozak, who is also on the Russian Grand Prix organising committee, was quoted as saying by Interfax last month.
"In all forms of motor sport there are girls advertising cars harmoniously and pleasantly. If we manage to reach agreement we plan to reinstate this tradition. After all, our girls are the most beautiful."
Championship leader Hamilton is due to appear alongside Vettel in Wednesday's pre-race press conference.
The Englishman is 17 points ahead of the Ferrari driver in their shootout for a fifth world title.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments