Former Formula One 'grid girls' reveal what it was like working on the track

'Grid Girls' reveal details about working in Formula One. Photo / Getty

Former 'grid girls' have spoken out against critics to reveal details about working in motorsport.

The long-standing tradition came to a controversial end yesterday when Formula One announced that 'grid girls' and 'podium girls' would be axed at all future events.

The concept of 'grid girls' was criticised as being sexist, but former 'grid girl,' Chantel George, told SunSport that she "never once felt objectified in the world of motorsport".

"It brings glamour and prestige, I don't think it's sexist at all," George said.

"It makes the pictures look better, it gives the fans something good to see before the race, it builds testosterone and excitement for the race."

"I'm gutted that I won't be able to do it again, and for all the other girls that won't get the opportunity I had."

'Grid girls' will be axed from all Formula one events. Photo / Getty

George, who was a regular on the British Tour Car Championship, said the job wasn't as glamorous as it seemed and said it was often tiring work.

"You have to get up early, be at the track for many hours and are on your feet for long periods of time throughout the day."

"It is hard work and it does take a lot of time."

Rebecca Cooper said she wanted to be in the thick of the action when she signed up to become a 'grid girl' eight years ago and said she felt honoured to be in the role.

"We're not just standing there looking pretty," Cooper told the Telegraph.

"The idea that we're there merely as some kind of adornment just doesn't wash. As a grid girl, you're made to feel part of the team; you're in the garages with the team members and you're always well looked after."

"We're told that as part of female empowerment, women should be proud of their bodies and do as they choose with them."

"We've been accused of sexualising our bodies, demeaning women and failing to represent our sex positively. Someone even compared us to prostitutes. But none of these people understand what we do, or the fact that we really enjoy doing it."

Former 'grid girls' Chantel George and Rebecca Cooper said they never felt objectified. Photo / Getty

Despite claims that 'grid girls' interacted with drivers and male fans, George said it wasn't the case.

"We don't really interact much with the teams or drivers, really that's only when we're on the grid," she said.

Silverman said the fans were not exclusively men and she had never been on the receiving end of any male misbehaviour.

"If we get some wolf-whistling and catcalling when we walk out on to the bridge, it's no more than you'd get just walking down the street or on a night out," she said.

"The attention is not something I take too seriously, and nor does it bother my boyfriend. In fact, it's more hurtful to hear the women tut-tutting and eye-rolling at our outfits."

The Formula One season will start on March 25 at the Australian Grand Prix - in the absence of 'grid girls.'