Drivers helped F1 axe new qualifying system - Rosberg

F1 drivers played a role in the scrapping of the hated 'musical chairs' qualifying system.

That is the view of Nico Rosberg, who went out on a limb on Wednesday by aiming fire at Bernie Ecclestone's description of the drivers as "windbags".

About 18 drivers met for an ultra-rare collective dinner in Shanghai on Wednesday but championship leader Rosberg insisted on Thursday that the drivers were not making another "message".

'We love our sport'

Mercedes driver said: "But of course, we love our sport and want it to be the biggest and the coolest that it can be. I think it's great that we are able to hold together in these moments, not only for fun but to discuss matter.

"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."