MIAMI — Lewis Hamilton has called Formula One’s ban on drivers wearing jewellery in the car “a step backwards” and “very silly”, saying he will happily spend the weekend sightseeing in Miami instead of racing this weekend if the sport’s governing body, the FIA, rigorously enforces the rule.
Ahead of Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix, race director Niels Wittich reminded drivers that they are banned from wearing jewellery in the car under the FIA’s International Sporting Code, which was also raised ahead of the Australian Grand Prix in April.
In Miami, the FIA banned jewellery under a scrutineering declaration form distributed to all teams and has clarified which clothing drivers must wear underneath their overalls for safety reasons.
Wittich’s clarification said: “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.”
It added: “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.”
Hamilton appeared to be making a point in Friday morning’s news conference as he was wearing several necklaces, rings on every finger and three watches, each set to a different time zone.
“I couldn’t get any more jewellery on today,” he joked when asked about the ban.
Hamilton said he has two piercings which would be difficult to remove.
“It’s platinum that I have, so it’s not magnetic. 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 an easy.”
He then added: “If they stop me, then so be it.
“We’ve…
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