Hamilton criticises jewellery ban but removes ear piercings

The FIA has taken a tougher stance over the wearing of jewellery, with new F1 race director Niels Wittich informing all the teams that additional checks would be included as part of the pre-event scrutineering declaration form.

Mercedes driver Hamilton had previously stated he had no plans to comply with the regulation, insisting that his earrings and nose stud cannot physically be removed. 

He has received a medical exemption for two races (Miami and Spain) for those items - but removed his ear piercings on Friday evening during practice.

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The seven-time world champion  earlier arrived at the pre-event press conferences in Miami on Friday decked out in jewellery, including eight rings, four necklaces, two earrings, a bracelet and three watches. 

“I couldn’t get any more jewellery on today!” Hamilton laughed when he was asked about the FIA’s stance over jewellery. 

“I feel like it’s almost like a step backwards, if you think about the steps we are taking as a sport, and the more important causes that we need to be focused on. 

“I think we’ve made really great strides as a sport. This is such a small thing. I’ve been in the sport for 16 years and I’ve been wearing jewellery for 16 years. In the car I only ever have my earrings on and my nose ring, of which I can’t even remove. 

“It seems unnecessary for us to get into this spat. So I will try to communicate and work with Mohammed [Ben Sulayem]. I’m here to try to be an ally of the sport, of Mohammed and F1. 

“As I said, I think we’ve got bigger fish to fry, bigger things to do, more impact to have. So that’s really where I think the focus should be.” 

Hamilton reiterated that some of his jewellery cannot be removed but said it has never been a safety issue before. 

“As I said, at least two of them - one I can’t really explain where it is - but it’s platinum that I have, so it’s not magnetic,” he added. “It’s never been a safety issue in the past. 

"In 16 years, I’ve had so many MRI scans and not had to take out the platinum because it’s not been a safety issue.” 

Hamilton jokingly added that he could happily amuse himself in Miami if the FIA went as far as to ban him from competing. 

“If they stop me, then so be it,” he said. "We’ve got spare drivers, so we’re all ready and prepped for the weekend. 

"There’s lots to enjoy and do in the city anyways, so I’ll be good either way.”

Drivers call for individual choice 

Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll all offered support to Hamilton and suggested the drivers should be allowed to make their own choices regarding the risks they take when it comes to wearing jewellery. 

AlphaTauri driver Gasly revealed he also wears a piece of religious jewellery when racing and said he would not feel comfortable driving without it. 

Hamilton said he would be happy to take the responsibility out of the FIA’s hands. 

“I’m willing to sign a waiver to take responsibility away from them, If I need to,” he said. “It’s about individuality and being who you are. 

“I did try calling Mohammed this morning, but I’m sure he was super busy. I sent him a message just reassuring him that I want to be an ally and that I don’t want to fight with you guys over this. It’s very silly. 

“I’ve not heard back yet, but I’ll try and speak to him before the race.”

What are the FIA rules on jewellery and underwear?

The new guidelines ahead of the Miami GP read: “Metallic objects, such as jewellery, in contact with the skin can reduce heat transmission protection and thus may increase the risk of burn injuries in the event of a fire.

“The wearing of jewellery during the competition can hinder both medical interventions as well as subsequent diagnosis and treatment should it be required following an accident. 

“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. 

“In the case that medical imaging is required to inform diagnosis following an accident the presence of jewellery on the body can cause significant complication and delay. In the worst case the presence of jewellery during imaging may cause further injury. 

“Jewellery in and/or around the airway can pose specific additional risks should it become dislodged during an accident and either ingested or inhaled.” 

On the compliant underwear regulation, Wittich said: “The above noted regulation is written to ensure that the FIA-approved Flame-resistant clothing, including both the outer layer overalls and inner layer in contact with the skin can operate effectively and provide the designed level of protection if exposed to flames."