FORMULA ONE mogul Lewis Hamilton has responded to the FIA’s decision to ban drivers from wearing jewellery – by turning up with more jewellery. The governing body for world motorsport clarified that non-regulatory underwear and body piercing were forbidden in the Miami Grand Prix. However, Hamilton has delivered his views against the rules put in […]
FORMULA ONE mogul Lewis Hamilton has responded to the FIA’s decision to ban drivers from wearing jewellery – by turning up with more jewellery.
The governing body for world motorsport clarified that non-regulatory underwear and body piercing were forbidden in the Miami Grand Prix.
However, Hamilton has delivered his views against the rules put in place and the Mercedes icon has threatened to PULL OUT of the Grand Prix should the FIA stick to their procedures.
But what is the reason for the jewellery ban and has Hamilton refused to race at the Miami GP?
The FIA highlighted an existing regulation which states that the ban of jewellery is due to the risk of increased heat transmission in case of fire, or objects snagging or becoming dislodged in serious accidents.
This ban has existed since 2004 and Formula One race director Niels Wittich plans to keep the rules in place.
Wittich further clarified the rules by saying: “The wearing of jewellery during this competition can hinder both medical interventions as well as subsequent diagnosis and treatment should it be required following an accident.
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“The presence of jewellery can slow, due to the risk of “snagging”, the emergency removal of driver safety equipment such as helmet, balaclava and overalls.
“The wearing of jewellery in the form of body piercing or metal neck chains is prohibited during the competition and may therefor be checked before the start.”
Lewis Hamilton made a statement at the Miami Grand Prix by wearing three watches, eight rings, four necklaces, one bracelet and two earrings at the press conference.
The Formula One mastermind said: “I really don’t know. As I said, I can’t remove at least two of them. One I can’t really explain where it is.
“But what I can say is it’s platinum that I have, so it’s not magnetic. It’s never been a safety issue in the past.
“I feel like it’s almost a step backwards, if you think about the steps we are taking as a sport, and the more important causes that we need to focus on.
“I think we’ve made really great strides in the sport. This is such a small thing.”
However, Hamilton added: “I’ll try and communicate with Mohammed [FIA’s President]. I’m here to be an ally of the sport, of Mohamed and of Formula One.
“I think we’ve got bigger fish to fry, bigger things to do, more impact to have, so I think that’s really where the focus should be.”
The seven-time world championship winner participated in today’s Practice where he disappointingly finished in 13th place.
But Hamilton is willing to sacrifice his driving spot if the FIA ban him from further taking part in Miami.
“I’ve worn [jewellery] for 16 years, had so many MRI scans and not had to take out the platinum, for example, because it’s not been an issue.
“So yeah, if they stop me then so be it. We’ve got a spare driver. So we’re well prepped for the weekend.
“There’s lots to do in the city anyway so it will be good either way. I couldn’t get any more [jewellery] on today!
