Ex-Formula 1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone has slammed the series' de☂cision to ditch grid girls for the 2018 season, sayin𝐆g they were "part of the show" and did not offend anybody.

F1 annou🐭nced on Wednesday it would no longer use grid girls from the start of the 2018 season, saying the practice is not "appropriate or relevant".

The decision sparked backlash from a number of fans on social media, with Ecclestone - F1's CEO until Liberty Media's takeover in January 2017 - also expressing his d🌊isappointment in the call.

"These girls were part of the show," Ecclestone told The Sun.

"Fans love the glamour. T𝓀he country at ওthe moment is getting a bit prudish.

"You should be allowed to have grid girls because the drivers like them, t﷽he audience like them and no one cares. These girls were part of the show, part of the spectacle.

"I can't see how a good-looking girl s🐟tanding with a driver and a number in front of a Formula 🍸1 car can be offensive to anybody."

The first F1 race without grid girls under the new scheme will take place on March 25 in Melbo🎶urne, Australia.