Lewis Hamilton is reportedly in danger of being fined unless he bows to a ban on jewellery that has been highlighted by Formula 1 's new chiefs.
The FIA —the world's governing body for motorsport—has reminded the F1 field of its duty to not wear earrings, piercings, rings and necklaces during on-track sessions. The rule has been in place since 2005, but while drivers have not been penalised for blurring the lines to date, that now looks set to change.
Niels Wittich—who is sharing the position of race director with Eduardo Freitas after predecessor Michael Masi was fired in February —reminded drivers of their duties ahead of Sunday's Australian Grand Prix. Although the stricter implementation of the law isn't aimed at any driver in particular, Mercedes ace Hamilton would strike as one of the more prominent jewellery-wearers on the grid.
The F1 stud has participated in recent races with a nose piercing visible through his visor, while others drivers are understood to wear necklaces and bracelets. The restriction has been stressed as a pre-emptive measure to avoid any further complications that may come as a result of any crash or accident.
The 2005 ruling relates to Article 5 of the third chapter of Appendix L in the FIA's International Sporting Code, which reads: “The wearing of jewellery in the form of body piercing or metal neck chains is prohibited during the competition and may therefore be checked before the start.”
More specifically, it's believed there are fears jewellery could inhibit some drivers exiting their cars as swiftly in the event of a crash. Items like necklaces, bracelets or rings in particular could become a snagging hazard if they become entangled on a piece of the car.
Who do you think will win the Australian Grand Prix? Let us know in the comments section.
Hamilton is already under mounting pressure to ensure he challenges for a record-breaking eighth F1 world championship this season. The 37-year-old is fifth in the drivers' standings and 29 points behind Ferrari ace and leader Charles Leclerc after finishing 10th in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last month.
After Red Bull 's Max Verstappen denied him that historic feat in last year's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton's Mercedes has struggled to keep pace among this term's leaders. New team-mate George Russell sits one place above Hamilton as things stand but is yet to manage a podium finish.
Masi was sacked as a result of his role in that Abu Dhabi controversy, where he cleared the field for Verstappen to have an open shot at his nemesis on the final lap. Wittich has stepped in to help fulfil race director duties, but Hamilton may well feel as though he can't catch a break from those calling the shots.
