Can F1 drivers have body piercings?

The FIA does not encourage the drivers to have body piercings and wear jewellery.

<strong>Can F1 drivers have body piercings?</strong>

Lewis Hamilton. Image via Pinterest.

The FIA introduced a ban on body piercings in 2005. Formula 1 drivers are not allowed to wear jewelry either. This rule was implemented for the safety of the drivers. In case of an emergency, it might be difficult for the medical team to give the necessary treatment for the drivers with piercings and jewelry. According to the international sporting code, drivers should wear fire-resistant clothing during the races. There are several rules the F1 drivers must follow.

The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, popularly known as the FIA, states that any form of body piercing or metal neck chains is prohibited.  It was not until 2022 that the FIA enforced it strictly. Before that, drivers like Lewis Hamilton had piercings and wore ear jewellery regularly. The organization did not have a problem back then. But, in 2022, they warned F1 drivers not to wear piercings and jewellery. 

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One of the many things Lewis Hamilton is known for is his love for piercings and jewelry. While the FIA reminded the drivers not to wear it while racing, Hamilton joked that he had piercings he could not take out. “I’ve got several piercings that I really can’t take out, that not a lot of people know of.” According to the rule, “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.”

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F1 drivers must adhere to the rules set by the FIA for their safety

F1 drivers. Image via Twitter
F1 drivers. Image via Twitter

The FIA stated that drivers who do not follow the rules would receive punishment like a penalty or a fine.  It was a war between the FIA and Lewis Hamilton. During the Miami Grand Prix last season, the Briton stated he would not remove his piercings, and he was willing to miss a race over the issue. The duo reached a middle ground. Finally, Hamilton removed his ear jewelry and kept his nose stud on. The FIA gave him time to remove it before the Monaco GP. The Mercedes driver was given a medical exemption.

Hamilton pointed out how wedding rings were allowed. “When they told me about the jewellery, they were saying safety is everything. Well, what’s happened in the last 16 years? I’ve had jewellery on for 16 years, so was safety not an issue back then?” questioned the Briton. It was an ongoing topic in 2022. Pierre Gasly and Kevin Magnussen did not remove their rings, well. 

Lewis Hamilton was granted a medical exemption to wear jewelry

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Lewis Hamilton.Image via Pinterest.

The FIA felt that piercings might increase the risk of burns in case of an accident. It might hinder medical treatments. The organization was strict with this rule and wanted the drivers to abide by it. However, things did not go as expected. The Formula 1 driver resisted this rule. Sebastian Vettel backed Hamilton and felt the Mercedes driver was targeted. But, Jenson Button, the former Formula 1 driver, said it was a safety issue. 

The drivers felt that they needed personal freedom to wear what they wanted. Ahead of the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton got a jewelry exemption from the FIA over “concerns about disfigurement with frequent attempts at removal of the device.” Hence, this issue has been resolved. The FIA won’t take further action on this matter. This season the seven-time world champion showed up to the season opener with two nose studs. However, Hamilton is allowed to race with his piercings. Though it is a strict rule, it can be exempted on medical grounds. 

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