Formula One debating the continued use of "grid girls"

Are they tradition, outdated, or both?

Formula One is considering one of its oldest and most outdated traditions — that of the "grid girls" that line the paddocks.

F1's managing director, Ross Brawn, told the BBC this week that the use of "female promotional models" is "under strong review." Sometimes known as grid girls or "umbrella girls" for their role in holding sun blocking umbrellas for team principals in the pits, the women are typically dressed in provocative outfits emblazoned in sponsor logos and "line the corridor though which the drivers walk on their way to the podium."

F1 CEO Chase Carey told the BBC that for him, it is "not a personal decision." He is instead trying to "get as many points of view as possible and make a decision right for the future of the sport."

On the flip side, Christian Horner, head of the Red Bull F1 team, said that "'grid girls' "add glamour" to the sport," and said that attempts at adding grid boys or children serving similar roles has been met with criticism.

However, with at least one female team boss, Claire Williams of the Williams team, and F1's desire to attract more female fans, especially young girls whose impression of women in the sport is mostly as eye candy, the tradition is under review. Other racing series, such as World Rally Championships, have already abandoned the tradition. Neither Brawn nor Carey said when they would come to a decision.