Former Formula 1 grid girl and model Leilani Dowding has reiterated her criticism of the sport’s 2018 decision to ban grid girls. Dowding, who worked on Grand Prix grids in the early 2000s, maintains the prohibition was driven by external pressure rather than the wishes of the women involved.
The ban, implemented by Formula 1 management under Liberty Media, took effect from the start of the 2018 FIA Formula One World Championship season. Sean Bratches, then Managing Director of Commercial Operations, stated the practice was ‘at odds with modern-day societal norms’ and did not align with F1’s brand values.
Dowding expressed disappointment regarding Lewis Hamilton’s decision to delete a social media post in April 2018 that appeared to support the return of grid girls. Hamilton had shared a screenshot with the message ‘Thank you Jesus’ after Monaco Grand Prix officials indicated they might defy F1’s ban.
Hamilton later clarified that his post was ‘just a joke’ and that the matter did not genuinely interest him. This incident followed a separate controversy in December prior, where Hamilton deleted his Instagram account after a post about his nephew wearing a princess dress.
The 2018 decision to remove grid girls was met with mixed reactions across the motorsport community. While some supported the move, former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone labelled it ‘prudish’. Three-time world champion Niki Lauda also criticised the ban, stating it was ‘a decision against women’.
Conversely, figures such as then-Williams team boss Claire Williams expressed support for the change. Following the ban, Formula 1 introduced the ‘Grid Kids’ programme, which features young competitors from national motorsport clubs accompanying drivers on the grid.
Dowding, a former Miss Great Britain 1998 and Page 3 model, argues that grid work provided valuable employment and financial independence. She stated that she and other women working on the grid never felt objectified or exploited in their roles.
She views the ban as ‘patronising,’ suggesting that external parties dictated what women should or should not be permitted to do. Dowding believes the decision was influenced by individuals not directly involved with Formula 1.
Dowding also suggested Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney as a potential grid girl for the Las Vegas Grand Prix. This aligns with Formula 1’s current entertainment-driven presentation, particularly at the Las Vegas event, which frequently features celebrity involvement.
Recent Las Vegas Grand Prix events have seen numerous A-list celebrities in attendance, including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Brad Pitt, and Rihanna. The event also incorporates extensive pre- and post-race entertainment with major artists.
Dowding highlighted that other motorsport series, such as MotoGP, continue to utilise promotional staff on their grids. She advocates for Liberty Media to reconsider the 2018 decision, arguing for the restoration of employment opportunities and freedom of choice for women.
