Lewis Hamilton stirred up a small social media storm when he applauded the potential return of grid girls for the Monaco and Russian Grands Prix.The new Formula One owner Liberty Media made a controversial call before the F1 season of banning the grid girls from their events, replacing them with grid kids instead.The decision has sparked a debate as to if it was necessary to substitute working models with young, aspiring racers.Grid girls was seen by some as objectifying woman, and Liberty Media stated that bringing in kids interested in racing could grow the sport and promote young drivers.Hamilton responded to an image on Instagram that included grid girls which stated the models would be back for this year’s Monaco Grand Prix.He posted: “Thank you Jesus,” to the image as well as reacting with the emoji that praises the skies.The Mercedes driver has deleted the post since then, and told AFP: “It was just a joke.“I saw this publication about beautiful girls coming back and said ‘Thank you Jesus’. But honestly, it doesn’t interest me.”

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel has previously said he’s 'a bit sad that there are no more grid girls.'

It is the organisers of the Grands Prix in Monaco and Russia who have indicated they will oppose Liberty Media’s ban on grid girls.

“We’ve had no problems with Liberty Media, except for the grid girl issue,” Michel Boeri, president of the Automobile Club de Monaco told Fli.com.

“They’re pretty, and the cameras will be on them once again.”

He told local newspaper Monaco-Matine: “Our American friends assume it could hurt the feminine feelings when employing young woman to carry signs.

“Our hostesses complete model and PR schools. They perform during the Grand Prix at events that are in line with their training. And they are paid for it.”