Mario James and Brian Carless, Gleaner Writers

Hanging out at the Red Bull Formula Una elimination are (from left) Austrian Stefan Kozak, head of Red Bull Latin America; Mike Henry, minister of transport and works; Mark Hart, CEO of Caribbean Producers Limited; and Tom Tyler, co-chairman of Caribbean Producers Limited. - Photo by Brian Carless

Red Bull is slowly becoming a force to be reckoned with in Formula One (F1).

It is driven by a passion for auto racing fuelled by Red Bull head honcho, Dietrich Mateschitz. In a bold marketing move, the Red Bull principal has started a global competition called Formula Una, which is about finding a girl who personifies Red Bull.

Ten Jamaican girls were chosen from 36 in a competition held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel pool side in New Kingston on April 16. The ladies are Kiri-Ann Bridgewater, Leanne Spence, Gail Ranglin, Ranekia Stephens, Salome Campbell, Chantelle Marie Fisher, Loni Jones, Amelia 'Milk' Sewell, Racquel Brown and Tara Vendryes. The selection was done by Felicia Williams and Mitchell Watson, both reps from Red Bull Jamaica.

Winning criteria

The winning participant must be very knowledgeable of the aura and spectacle that is F1 racing. Andre Attale, business unit manager for Red Bull Caribbean, said they were looking for an attractive girl who enjoys sports, who understands the F1 world and loves the brand.

They go through a series of activities as part of the elimination process such as hiking and go-karting to see how they interact in a sporting environment. Only the Red Bull team chooses the winner.

The winner will go on to represent Red Bull and Jamaica in F1 before going on to the the principality of Monaco at the Monaco Grand Prix. The winner will be announced on the night of May 4.