“He can’t take out his nose ring,” Lewis Hamilton and FIA still at loggerheads over jewelry clampdown

“He can’t take out his nose ring,” Lewis Hamilton and FIA still at loggerheads over jewelry clampdown

Lewis Hamilton at the press conference for the Miami Grand Prix 2021

This year, after the changing of the race directors, the rule which stated that no driver is supposed to be wearing any jewelry in the cockpit, is being brought into light by the FIA, who are making it clear enough that no jewelry should be present on any driver inside the cockpit of the car following the safety concerns. 

It is quite obvious that Lewis Hamilton is a fan of jewelry, and this ban seems to make him uncomfortable. After wearing a plethora of jewelry before the Miami Grand Prix, and even warning that he could withdraw from the race, the Brit adhered to the law after FIA officials had discussions with him. 

Hamilton removed his earrings for the race, but didn’t remove the stud he wears on his nose, because it is not so easy to remove. 

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The FIA gave him a two race exemption so that he could get a “minor surgery” to have his nose stud removed.

Watch: “It’s almost a step backwards” | Hamilton responds to FIA tightening rules on jewelry

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The seven time World Champion said that it is “almost a step backward” for FIA to ask drivers to remove their jewelry. 

This law about jewelry has existed for a very long time now, but was never focussed. Since the change of the race director, it has been brought to focus and drivers are having to remove their jewelry. 

Also read: “Strategy’s not been kind to me man,” Lewis Hamilton unhappy with Mercedes strategy after being outpaced by George Russell

“Was safety not an issue back then?” Hamilton questions the FIA.

Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton

Since the drivers were never forced to remove their jewelry previously, Hamilton now questions the FIA about their decision. 

“This whole safety thing, man. When they told me about the jewelry, they said safety is everything. And I said, ‘Well, what’s happened for the last 16 years? I’ve had jewelry on for 16 years, so was safety not an issue back then?” Hamilton added. 

Hamilton raced in Miami after removing his jewelry, and in his underperforming Mercedes, he managed to finish P6, after his teammate George Russell who finished P5. 

Also read: “I don’t understand it”: Lewis Hamilton blasts Mercedes strategy for lapping under the safety car