Lewis Hamilton is clearly not a fan of Formula One's decision to axe "grid girls" - as confirmed by a now-deleted Instagram post.

The decision to replace them with kids was made before the start of the new season, much to the frustration of many drivers and supporters.

However, in response to the fact that glamour models are expected to be present at both the Monaco and Russian races this year, four-time world champion Hamilton posted a screenshot of the news - together with a caption reading "Thank you Jesus."

Possibly sensing the controversy it would cause, the 33-year-old then appeared to re-think his stance, as he removed the post from his account.

Unfortunately for the defending champion, though, the image had still been online long enough for his followers to screenshot it - scroll down to see it. 

Organisers of the Monaco Grand Prix, to be held on May 27, have insisted that female models will be a part of their race presentation - although they will not serve any official role.

Monaco race chief Michel Boeri - President of the Automobile Club de Monaco - explained his reasoning for the move, insisting that he had no grudge against the sport's owners.

"They understand that Monaco is not Spa, or Monza. We've had no problems with Liberty Media. Except for the grid girls issue," he stated. "They'll be there on the grid, but they won't be holding any name-boards. They're pretty...The cameras will be on them once again." Boeri said.

These sentiments came shortly after Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Kozak had indicated that he would like to see grid girls in attendance at September's Sochi Grand Prix.

"Here it should be adults...In all forms of motor sport there are girls advertising cars harmoniously and pleasantly." Kozak reasoned. "If we manage to reach agreement we plan to reinstate this tradition," he confirmed. "After all, our girls are the most beautiful."

Hamilton has not enjoyed the best of starts to the new season. He was forced to settle for second place at last month's Australian Grand Prix after a timing miscalculation by his team allowed Sebastian Vettel to incredibly snatch victory for Ferrari.

In addition, the Brit now faces a five-place grid penalty at this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix, along with teammate Valtteri Bottas, after Mercedes were found to have broken F1 rules following an unscheduled gearbox change - and Hamilton may have well have decided to delete his Instagram post in order to spare himself the strain of further controversy.