Women have appeared on track prior to races for years in order to promote brands that sponsor teams.

And they line the steps up to the podium at each grand prix to applaud the top three.

The use of grid girls in the modern era has become a controversial subject with the practice accused of being outdated.

But two F1 drivers have now come out in support of their utilisation, with one comparing their potential removal to the much discussed halo system.

"The grid girls must stay," said Red Bull man Verstappen.

His take was reflected by Renault driver Hulkenberg.

"It would be a pity if they took the eye-candy from the grid," he said.

"What will come next year instead? Halo? Oh dear."

Verstappen and Huldenberg’s comments come off the back of F1 chief Ross Brawn saying the use of grid girls is "under strong review".

"There's a lot of people who respect the tradition and there's people who feel that it has become a bit dated, so we're addressing that," he said.