Chase Carey has revealed that he was not opposed to the concept of Formula 1 'grid girls'.

The sport's new owner Liberty Media has been widely criticised for ending the decades-long tradition.

"I think the reaction was what we expected," F1 chief executive Carey told multiple media outlets.

"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 said that too many of those fans thought the grid girls concept was "exploitative".

Some, however, think that the move has taken a big bite out of F1's glamorous side.

Carey insisted: "We're going to maintain glamour. We're going to continue to have pretty girls at races. But I think you have to continue to evolve."

The new season begins in March with the Australian Grand Prix.