Lewis Hamilton piercings row with the FIA “could get very nasty”, says Ted Kravitz

Lewis Hamilton’s piercings row with the FIA is in danger of quickly becoming “very nasty”, according to Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz.

The seven-time former World Champion is remaining defiant after being told he will not be allowed to wear any jewellery while driving the Mercedes W13 on track after the Spanish Grand Prix.

According to the rules, Hamilton should already have removed every piece of his ‘bling’ before climbing into the cockpit, with that regulation highlighted in race director Niels Wittich’s notes before the Australian Grand Prix in April.

For the latest Miami Grand Prix, it was revealed drivers’ apparel, down to what is mandated to be fire-resistant underwear, was to become part of the scrutineering process, with jewellery also included to ensure none of it on a driver’s person could compromise safety in the car.

Hamilton, who says he has worn jewellery while driving since his F1 career began in 2007, was given a two-race exemption from any punishment – most likely a fine – thus allowing time to shed the permanent piercings he displays and which are difficult to remove.

However, the 37-year-old Briton said in Miami he had no intention of doing so and that he will ensure he gets “exemptions for the rest of the year”.

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That, stated Kravitz during his Ted’s Notebook programme after the Miami Grand Prix, will put him on collision course with the FIA at the Monaco race weekend from May 27-29 – and could even put Hamilton’s participation in jeopardy.

Kravitz explained: “He’s taken his earrings out but he can’t take out his nose [stud] and we thought he was going to have minor surgery to take out the nose [stud].

“Hamilton’s now saying, having been given two races’ grace, here (Miami) and in Barcelona, that he will not take out his nose [stud]. He doesn’t want to, doesn’t think it’s…