F1’s underwear rule enforced? ‘Feel free to check my arse’

New FIA race director Niels Wittich told the drivers during Friday’s meeting ahead of the Australian Grand Prix that they must no longer use non-fire retardant underwear under their suits.

The rule already exists but the FIA reminded drivers on safety grounds.

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Asked how the FIA intended to enforce such a rule, AlphaTauri driver Gasly said: "I won't comment on that.

"If they want to check my arse, feel free, I've got nothing to hide. My c*ck, everything. If that makes them happy, feel free."

"I've been racing a long time and they've never done such a long drivers' briefing.

"Also, nobody in the drivers' briefing was wearing masks. Some of the drivers were, but most of the FIA weren't, which was for me uncomfortable.

"And then I don't really understand the small things they are picking up, like the underwear. Are we really talking about that sort of thing? But we move on."

Oscar Piastri, Alpine’s reserve driver, told Sky Sports: “There was a bit of discussion about [DRS] it but we spoke about underwear for longer than we spoke about DRS, to be honest.”

McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo said: "This was the first time I'd heard about the fireproof underwear.

"Obviously we wear the leggings if you want to call it that, but we don't have actual underwear-underwear that's fireproof, so that was just more of a surprise. I'd never heard of it.

"If it helps keep us a bit safer in those situations then, of course, I'll invest in some. But I don't think they make them.

"Or at least our people that we get our race kit from I don't think, so we're going to have to get some custom ones.

"And I guess it's going to be tailor-made of course!"

Red Bull boss Christian Horner previously joked: “I certainly won't be checking our drivers' underwear!” 

"For compliance, I see that as a team manager role, although I'm reliably informed our drivers go commando! Hopefully, it won't be an issue for them. 

“I've yet to meet the race director. Obviously, they're doing the best job they can with the rules they have. 

“I understand it was an entertaining drivers' briefing.”

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen joke about jewellery ban

Hamilton said: “Well I’ve got certain piercings that I really just can’t take out, that not many people know of… Nah I’m kidding! 

“It’s been the rule forever, since I’ve been here it’s been the rule, so nothing new. I’m just going to come with more jewellery next week.” 

Asked the same question, Verstappen replied deadpan: “I would be too heavy if I wore jewellery, so it’s not possible.”

A smiling Hamilton then responded: “I know you have a nipple piercing man, come on…” before Verstappen laughed and said “you want to see it again?!”

The FIA had reminded drivers that they are not allowed to wear jewellery during on-track sessions ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.