F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Hamilton on jewellery ban: FIA should have 'bigger fish to fry'

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."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

7 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

8 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

10 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

11 hours ago

The rapid rise and fall of Super Aguri in F1

Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…

13 hours ago

Ferrari's 2024 Season: Marked improvement and a fight to the finish

Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…

14 hours ago