Female models will return to the grid at this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, though, they won’t be holding placards displaying driver numbers.

Instead, they will be taking pictures and displaying messages on social media for the luxury watch brand Tag Heuer.

Formula One insists the use of male and female models does not constitute a return of ‘Grid Girls’, which the sport stated it would no longer use at the beginning of the year.

Lewis Hamilton wasn’t shy when voicing his opinion on the utilisation of models.

“I think women are the most beautiful thing in the world. There’s been races where we’ve had guys standing at the front and a mixture at some races in the past.

“I think Monaco is a very elegant Grand Prix and I don’t know how women feel about it, I haven’t really ever spoken to them about how they feel about the whole situation. I can’t really comment.”

However, Hamilton's 'beautiful things' remark whilst talking about women and Grid Girls caused backlash on social media from fans.

Because of this, the Brit has had to once again take to social media to clarify his comments.

He posted: “I think what women are achieving today is incredibly inspiring, I love and support women around the world.

“I think they are the smartest species and equality for them is a key for the future of the world. Me saying I think they are beautiful is just stating a fact, what I find incredibly attractive is a beautiful intelligent and ambitious woman!”

Rival driver Vettel chimed in, contending the commotion around the Grid Girls was unnecessarily “blown up” and a symptom of the modern era.

“I agree with Lewis, I like women, I think they look beautiful. Bottom line, I think it’s too much of a fuss nowadays.

“I think all women that took part as a grid girl in the past did it because they want to. I don’t think there’s anybody that forces them to do it. So, it speaks a little bit for our times that sometimes there’s a lot of noise for nothing,” the German added.

It is clear to see that the drivers are keen to bring the Grid Girls back to the circuit, and I’m certain that as they continue to voice there support of women, that F1 will be inclined to revert back to their old methods on the starting grid.