How to Be a Formula One Grid/Pit Girl?
Historical context: This article describes an earlier Formula One role. Formula 1 announced that it would stop using walk-on grid girls from the 2018 season. The article should not be read as current Formula One recruitment guidance.
Grid girls historically held umbrellas and signposts before races and supported the presentation of teams and sponsors. The role required professional conduct, punctuality and the ability to follow event instructions.
The original article offered the following application advice. For promotional work, applicants should check the actual duties, requirements and availability of each advertised assignment.
Compile a Portfolio and Submit it To the People Who Matter
Event organisers expect promotional staff to be professional and prepared for their duties. That is one of the reasons why they hire professional models. If you are not a model, try to get some modeling gigs by submitting your portfolio to leading modeling agencies. Do not expect to be accepted by the first company you approach. It can take time and a lot of perseverance.
Other than the modeling agencies, you could get in touch with representatives of the racing teams and the organisers to apply for a grid girl position. The trick here is to highlight your love for the sport in your application. Relevant event experience, communication skills and an understanding of motorsport can help demonstrate suitability for a promotional assignment.
Understand that the atmosphere at a Formula One race will be very different from a party or any other event. Understanding the working environment, following instructions and respecting restricted areas are important for anyone working at a motorsport event.
Contests
Sponsors of the race usually conduct contests to select girls. It is worth the time and effort to apply to these as you never know when your luck might change. Another advantage of this competition is that you will get noticed by the people who matter. Even if you don’t win the competition, you might stand a chance to be on the grid if you impress them.
Be Confident and Keep Trying
Never lose hope. Always be confident that you have what it takes to be a F1 grid girl. Keep yourself updated about the events and continue applying even if you are rejected. Luck also plays a major role in these kinds of things and you never know when your day will come.
