Lewis Hamilton says the FIA's clampdown on drivers wearing jewellery while out on track "feels like a step backwards", insisting the governing body has "bigger fish to fry".
In a gesture that underscored, if not outright mocked the FIA's latest decision to add compliant underwear and a ban on jewellery to F1 teams' scrutineering declaration form template, a defiant Hamilton showed up at Friday's presser decked out with bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings and three watches set on three different time zones!
The Mercedes driver joked that he couldn't get "any more jewellery on today" before he responded to a question about the FIA's decision to ramp up in Miami its checks on banned jewellery and con-compliant underwear.
"I feel like it's almost like a step backwards, if you think of the steps we're taking as a sport, and the more important issues and causes that we need to be focusing on and really pushing," he said.
"I think we made such great strides as a sport. Now we're here in Miami and this is such a small thing.
"I've been in the sport for 16 years, I've been wearing jewellery for 16 years. In the car, I only have my earrings on and my nose ring, which I can't even remove, so it seems unnecessary for us to get into this spat."
The FIA's provision states that "the presence of jewellery can slow, due to the risk of 'snagging', the emergency removal of driver safety equipment such as helmet, balaclava, and overalls.
"In the case that medical imaging is required to inform diagnosis following an accident the presence of jewellery on the body can cause significant complication and delay.
But Hamilton would have none of it, suggesting that that if FIA race director Niels Wittich decided to strictly enforce the rule, "so be it" as Mercedes' has spare drivers ready to take over.
"I think we've got bigger fish to fry, bigger things to do, more impact to have, so I think that's really where the focus should be," he said.
"It's platinum, that I have, so it's not magnetic, and it's never been a safety issue in the past. I've had so many MRI scans, for example, and I don't have to take out my platinum ones, because it's not an issue.
"If they stop me, so be it. We have spare drivers, so we're ready and prepared for the weekend. There is lots to do in this city so, I'll be good either way!"
Nevertheless, Hamilton vowed to take up the matter this weekend with FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem.
"I'm willing to sign a waiver, to take the responsibility away from them [the FIA], if they want me to," he said.
"I tried calling Mohammed this morning, he was busy, but I sent him a message just reassuring him that I want to be an ally. I don't want to fight. It's very, very silly.
"But I've not heard back yet, so maybe he's texting me, I don't know. But I'll try and speak to him before the race."
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