Formula 1 drivers played a role in the scrapping of the hated 'musical chairs' qualifying system, according to Nico Rosberg, who went out on a limb on Wednesday by aiming fire at Bernie Ecclestone's description of the drivers as "windbags".

Eighteen drivers had got together for an ultra-rare collective dinner in Shanghai on Wednesday night, but championship leader Rosberg insisted on Thursday that the drivers were not making another "message".

"But of course, we love our sport and want it to be the biggest and the coolest that it can be," said the Mercedes driver, according to Speed Week.

"I think it's great that we are able to hold together in these moments, not only for fun but to discuss matters.

"Take for instance this [musical chairs] qualifying. We have gone back to the old system and we might have a small share in it as we expressed our opinion in such a unified and strong way."

The season continues with the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday.