F1's grid girl ban a "decision against women"

F1 owner Liberty Media announced earlier this week that it was to drop the tradition of using grid girls because the concept no longer fitted in with the sport’s new ‘brand’ image.

The decision prompted huge controversy, with the issue grabbing newspaper headlines and becoming a major talking point on television and radio.

But Lauda, who is non-executive chairman of Mercedes, has joined those criticising the grid girl ban – claiming it was a "stupid" move.

“This is a decision against women,” Lauda told Austrian newspaper 'Der Standard’.

“Men have made the decision over the heads of women. This is not doing any favours to F1 and especially not for women. How stupid can they be? Are they nuts?”

Lauda added: “I hope there is a way to reverse the decision. I wouldn’t mind seeing grid boys next to grid girls. Why not?”

While there have been suggestions that removing the glamour of grid girls will help change the perception of women in the sport, Lauda believes it is nonsensical to think the two things are connected.

He says that the success of women in senior positions in motor racing has no correlation as to whether or not girls are used on the grid.

“Grid girls have always belonged in F1, and they should continue to belong in F1,” he said.

“Women are stepping up [into senior roles], and they are doing it very well – it is moving in the right direction. But one does not exclude the other. I don’t want to hold back women – I want to encourage them.

“If you continue on this path, there will be no cheerleaders left in America.”

Quotes translated by Markus Luttgens