Hamilton makes clear statement towards FIA during press conference

General

6 May 2022 at 17:03
Last update 6 May 2022 at 17:40
33
  • GPblog.com

Recently, the FIA already reminded all F1 drivers that no jewellery and piercings are allowed in the paddock. On Thursday, it was added that race directors Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas made a change to the Scrutineering Declaration Form. This has made it possible to punish offenders. Lewis Hamilton disagrees.

The international motorsport federation instituted the ban for the sake of safety. Checking for not wearing jewellery will from now on be part of the standard check at a team. According to the FIA, jewellery makes the fireproof undergarments work less well.

For Hamilton, however, it feels like a step backwards for Formula 1. He argues that there are more important issues to discuss."This is such a small thing. I've been wearing jewellery for 16 years. I can't even remove my nose ring. It seems nonsensical to start talking about this," he reported at the press conference, broadcast by Sky Sports. In any case, the seven-time world champion says he will talk to the new FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

So the FIA appears to be serious about enforcing, but Hamilton says two piercings cannot be removed. "If they stop me, then so be it. We have reserve drivers," he says with a quip. At least during the press conference, he made a clear statement by wearing multiple watches, rings and bracelets.

Hamilton completely disagrees with FIA