Some well-known racers have also spoken out to support a potential comeback.

“Women are the most beautiful thing in the world,” said British world champion Lewis Hamilton.

“Monaco is a very elegant grand prix and when we pull up to the grid and there’s beautiful women on the grid, that’s the Monaco Grand Prix and that’s a lovely thing.”

Shortly afterwards, Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel said he “agreed with Lewis”.

“I like women. I think they look beautiful. The bottom line is that there is too much of a fuss nowadays,” Vettel said.

“All the women that took part as a grid girl in the past did it because they want to. I’m sure if you ask any grid girl on Sunday if they’re happy to stand there, their answer will be yes.

“I don’t think there’s anybody that forces them to do it.”

Of course, women are not forced to become grid girls. However, many believe the appearance of female models on the grid is outdated, unwanted and sexist. After the sparking of the #MeToo movement and Time’s Up initiative women’s voices are being truly heard, so showcasing attractive women holding placards before the start of a race is only a step backwards.

Sean Bratches, managing director of commercial operations at Formula One, holds this view, backing the removal of grid girls and the introduction of a ‘grid kids’ partnership instead.

“While the practice of employing grid girls has been a staple of Formula One Grand Prix for decades, we feel this custom does not resonate with our brand values and clearly is at odds with modern-day societal norm,” he said.

“We don’t believe the practice is appropriate or relevant to Formula One and its fans, old and new, across the world.”

Are grid girls making a comeback to Formula One?