F1 CEO Chase Carey was apparently not opposed to keeping the grid girls in Formula 1, but the fans' negative feelings towards the female presence ultimately prevailed.
Formula 1 decided last week to replace the traditional 'glamour girls' on the Grand Prix grid with kids and aspiring young champions, starting this year.
The move sparked a lively debate among the F1 and fan community, and beyond, as progressive minds and those in favour of respecting the tradition argued their case.
"I think the reaction was what we expected," the F1 boss told the media.
"Actually if you just left it up to me personally, I like the grid girls. But it's not a decision for me, it's a decision for fans."
Carey added that at the center of F1's decision was the fans' view that the grid girls concept was "exploitative".
Some, however, think the move has taken a big bite out of F1's glamorous side.
"We're going to maintain glamour," Carey said.
"We're going to continue to have pretty girls at races. But I think you have to continue to evolve."
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