Grid girls set for an F1 return at the Monaco Grand Prix

When Liberty Media announced it would be replacing grid girls with grid kids the owners of Formula 1 were applauded for tackling a dated and sexist tradition.

But not everyone was pleased with Liberty’s decision. Many F1 fans believe the grid girls are a big part of the sport - and the organisers of one of F1’s biggest races seem to agree with this viewpoint.

It’s reported today by F1i.com that grid girls will be making a one-off return to F1 at this year’s Monaco Grand Prix in May.

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According to the report the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM) has reached an agreement with Liberty Media for the grid girls to be at the “glitzy and glamorous” race.

In an interview with newspaper Monaco-Matin, ACM president Michel Boeri said: “The relationship is good with Liberty Media, because they understand that Monaco is not Spa or Monza.

“We’ve had no problems with Liberty Media, except for the grid girl issue. They’ll be there, on the grid, but won’t be holding any name-boards. They’re pretty and the cameras will be on them once again.”

At the Australian Grand Prix last weekend the new “grid kids” initiative was launched by F1’s bosses.

But Monaco’s decision to go against the grid girl ban has had a mixed reaction on Twitter: