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Formula One Set To Introduce Football Mascot Style Grid Kids

Formula One Set To Introduce Football Mascot Style Grid Kids

The kids will accompany the drivers on a race day and they and their parents will get access to the paddocks on race day.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

People often complain that Formula One isn't accessible enough for families because of the prices, now the sport will give the chance to local kids and their parents to have access to races through a new 'grid kids' initiative.

Formula One is for the rich and famous mostly and whilst the average fan can go along for a race day the chances to get access to the paddocks is beyond what most people can afford.

Formula One grids have a lot of people on them but now it'll be some of the public. Image: PA Images.
Formula One grids have a lot of people on them but now it'll be some of the public. Image: PA Images.

The richest sport in the world then isn't exactly the most accessible and the knock on effect is that less and less people buy into it. Since taking over the sport Liberty have used social media better in an attempt to connect with new and current fans.

Now the company have confirmed that from the 2018 season 'Grid Kids' will accompany drivers to the grid with the kids picked from local motorsport clubs to that weekend's Grand Prix.

In a statement on the website Sean Bratches, F1 Managing Director of Commercial Operations said, "This will be an extraordinary moment for these youngsters: imagine, standing beside their heroes, watch as they prepare to race, the elite of the elite in motorsport, to be there, alongside them in those precious few minutes just before the start.

"What an unforgettable experience, for them, and their families. An inspiration to keep driving, training and learning so that they can dream of one day being there themselves. What better way to inspire the next generation of Formula 1 heroes."

Some very lucky kids will get close to the action. Image: PA Images.
Some very lucky kids will get close to the action. Image: PA Images.

FIA president Jean Todt added, "Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motor sport and the dream of every young racer competing the junior series that make up the FIA's single-seater pyramid, from karting all the way to F1.

"We are therefore delighted to bring that dream a little closer by giving the future champions of our sport the opportunity to stand alongside their heroes on the grid in the build-up to the race start. For the wider FIA, this is an excellent initiative that provides additional support to our member ASNs in their efforts to grow motorsport worldwide through a unique reward they can make available to youngsters participating in their national series."

The kids and their parents will have access to the paddocks on race day and the kids will also get on the 'grid' for the F2 and F3 races.

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Topics: Formula One, F1, F1 News