“I know you have a nipple piercing,” Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen make a quip on FIA’s latest reminder
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Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton
Formula One has always been known as a sport where the racers show an amazing camaraderie between them. Just last season, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen had been in the fiercest of title fights with each other, but now all seems to be quite friendly and respectful between the two. In a recent press conference during the Australian Grand Prix 2022 weekend, they joked about the FIA’s new reminder on body piercings.
After almost two years, the racers are back in Melbourne, gearing up for the Australian Grand Prix 2022. Race director Niels Wittich made a move to mention the FIA regulations regarding the wearing of jewellery by racers while driving. This event took place during the Race Director’s event at Melbourne’s Albert Park.
The rule regarding jewellery was proposed by the FIA personnel after someone reportedly noticed some ‘bling’ items on the drivers while they were in the cockpit. Fearing the possibility that this might raise concerns about the drivers’ safety, they decided to restrict the wearing of piercings and other jewellery on the race track.
According to FIA’s International Sporting Code, the rule states that the drivers are prohibited from wearing any piece of jewellery in the form of body piercing or metal neck chains during the race and that they would be checked thoroughly for such items before the competition starts. If any breach of this rule is found, the drivers would likely have to pay a fine.
Hamilton jokingly reckons Verstappen might have some secret piercings
Lewis Hamilton has time and again been called one of the most stylish drivers on the track. On several occasions, he has been photographed wearing studs and earrings while driving his formidable Mercedes.
When the topic of the 2005 ruling on drivers wearing jewellery was brought up at the Australian GP Press Conference in Melbourne, Hamilton, Verstappen, Bottas, Norris and Tsunoda were quite taken aback.
Hamilton was quick to crack a joke by saying, “I’ve got certain piercings I really just can’t take out, that not many people know of… Nah, I’m kidding.”
Verstappen tried to remain practical as he said, “I would be too heavy if I wore jewellery, so it’s not possible.” Then, Hamilton pitched in and said, “I know you have a nipple piercing man, come on.” And Verstappen retorted while laughing, “You want to see it again?”
This shows that the dynamic between the 2021 Championship rivals is as jovial as ever and all is well between the two talented drivers. Will they go head-to-head once more this year for the much-coveted trophy? That remains to be seen.
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