Hamilton won't remove 'welded in' jewelry despite FIA ban

Lewis Hamilton says he has no intention of complying with a rule that is part of the FIA's International Sporting Code that forbids drivers from wearing jewelry while out on track.

Last weekend in Melbourne, during the F1 driver briefing, FIA race director Niels Wittich reminded the group of the provision in the rulebook that bans jewelry and body piercings.

"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," states the article from Appendix L of the FIA's sporting code.

• Read also: FIA race director Wittich reminds drivers of jewellery ban

Queried on the rule which was introduced way back in 2005, Hamilton explained why he will not remove the piercings he has.

"I don't have any plans on removing them," he said. "They are personal things. You should be able to be who you are.

"There is stuff that I cannot move. I literally cannot even take these out. These ones on my right ear are welded in so I would have to get it chopped off. They will be staying."

A facetious Hamilton eventually made light of the subject.

"Well I’ve got certain piercings that I really just can’t take out, that not many people know of… Nah I’m kidding!" joked the seven-time world champion.

"It’s been the rule forever, since I’ve been here it’s been the rule, so nothing new. I’m just going to come with more jewelry next week."

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