Lewis Hamilton is on a collision course with Formula One bosses after they confirmed a major clampdown on drivers wearing jewellery.
The seven-times world champion has already insisted he will NOT be removing various studs and piercings as they have special meaning for him. But ahead of the inaugural Miami Grand Prix, race director Niels Wittich has repeated his intention to get tough on drivers who do not comply with FIA rules regarding jewellery.
In a letter to all teams on Thursday night, Wittich emphasised the regulation that states: “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.” Wittich then goes into extensive detail explaining why jewellery is forbidden, saying that it can reduce the effectiveness of flame-resistant clothing, can get snagged and, among other things, can get dislodged in an accident.
Hamilton, 37, is not the only driver who wears jewellery but he is certainly the most high-profile. And when asked about the prospect of a clampdown earlier this season, Hamilton - who has continued to race with piercings in both ears and a nose stud - said: “I don’t have any plans on removing them.
"They are personal things. You should be able to be who you are. There is stuff that I cannot move. In literally cannot even take these out. These ones on my right ear are welded in so I would have to get it chopped off. They will be staying.”
The stand-off will give Wittich a major dilemma. The jewellery regulation has been on the FIA books for a long time but has never been enforced. Yet this season, it seems FIA president Mohamed ben Sulayem is suddenly keen for the rule to be implemented and, as race director, Wittich is the man who has to do it and who has to make part of the pre-race scrutineering.
Have Your Say! Should Hamilton follow the rules, or are F1 bosses being petty? Join the debate here.
The drivers were scheduled to have their normal briefing with Wittich after Friday’s practice sessions. In theory, if Hamilton continues to refuse to take out his jewellery, he could be fined, docked points, or the FIA could even try and stop him racing.
That is extremely unlikely but it is clear the FIA are going to try and act and it has also been clear that Hamilton will not bow to their demands, leading to a stand-off that will have to be ended at some stage. Although Wittich does try to make a comprehensive justification for enforcing the rule, a lot of people in the sport believe the FIA are being unnecessarily petty.
