After a great debate about whether hostesses yes or hostesses not in Formula 1 for the image they projected, last week it was confirmed that the Formula 1 World Championship will dispense with the traditional grill hostesses who from next season they will be replaced by children.
The decision opened a new front by asking if it is right for children to take the place of the "Grid Girls" on the starting grid of the races. There are those who think that it is an opportunity for children who are starting in motor racing and that they dream of meeting their idols, but in return there are those who consider it child exploitation. Again, the debate is served.
The job of the hostesses, pitbabes or "paragüeras" is to hold the umbrella or the numbers of the pilots before each race, but from now on the pilots they will be accompanied by children and young people competing in lower categories.
Children will be chosen by local car clubs based on their merits or by lottery, and in most cases they will be runners that are starting in junior or karting categories.
According to Sean Bratches, F1 general manager:
"This will be an extraordinary moment for these young people: imagine, standing next to their heroes, watching how they prepare to compete, being with the elite of the motoring elite in those precious minutes just before departure."
Can we talk about child exploitation?
It is one of the main criticisms of this controversial decision by the organizers of the grand prize.
People think about the decision of Formula 1 to replace hostesses with children: "I think it is child exploitation" ► //t.co/SX9qc4zoO2
- Antena3News (@ A3News) February 6, 2018
It has not been specified by the authorities, but we imagine that children will not charge for doing so, basically because child labor is illegal. It seems that they can participate in the event as a voluntary act that families of children and young people can accept or not.
Even in the absence of knowing the details about what the children will do specifically, it is assumed that for them it is an honor, a kind of prize, to be chosen to accompany their idols, even if only a few minutes before the race. It is similar to what happens in football matches when players go out to the field accompanied by children excited to meet them, live with them that moment and take a picture with their idols.
However, numerous comments on the networks consider that the 'Grid Kids' (the children of the grill) is child exploitation.
From now on there will be children who accompany the pilots in the starting grids of Formula 1, instead of the 'grid girls'. This is not child exploitation? Are salaries of free adults lost * to replace children? Is it legal? //t.co/ghQCW4BbxC
- DAZ_ SORAYA (@daz_soraya) February 6, 2018
In Formula 1, hostesses change for children. Do women of legal age who earn a living honestly change for children who work for free or children who work for their parents to make money? Can you clarify it please? I do not understand this new moral
- Fran Bo (@FranBoVideos) February 5, 2018
There are also those who expressed agree with the new measure. They consider it a success and a way to motivate children and young people who want to make a career as pilots.
OFFICIAL: Formula 1 replaces hostesses with pilot children. Honestly, a success is a good way to 'take care' of the quarry and put the children in the role of their idols. I like it, big change. What do you think?
- Alex Pozo Pérez (@AlexPzPrez_) February 5, 2018
There are details that we still do not know
We still do not know what functions they will fulfill, how the children will be dressed, if there will also be girls, how will the clothes they wear, if it will be different for boys and girls, the conditions they will have (protection from engine noise, hours under the sun , etc) ... What is certain is that this debate will continue to speak.
As you can see, there are opinions for all tastes. What do you think? What would you think if your children were chosen to accompany their idols in this event?
