Leilani Dowding, former grid girl, wants Sydney Sweeney to bring models back to track ahead of Vegas Grand Prix

Dowding questions the 2018 decision

Dowding has supported bringing grid girls back to Formula 1 since their removal before the 2018 season. She was in Los Angeles when she learned of the move through newspapers.

In an interview with GrandPrix247, Dowding said she had viewed the decision as surprising. She argued that criticism of the role often came from people who had not spoken with the models.

A possible fit in Las Vegas

Dowding believes the time is right for grid girls to return to Formula 1. She sees the sport’s newer focus on entertainment as compatible with their presence at races.

She pointed in particular to the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix as a natural setting for the idea. Dowding said a return could make many people angry.

Sweeney enters the discussion

Dowding’s comments center on the broader question of grid girls’ place in Formula 1. The sport’s stated reason for removing them was that they no longer aligned with its brand values.