F1 News
Windsor surprised: 'You'd think the FIA would have discussed this with Hamilton'
- GPblog.com
The FIA announced this weekend that they are going to check more strictly for jewelry and piercings. Lewis Hamilton in particular was not happy with the new rule. According to Peter Windsor, the race committee should have discussed the subject with the Briton beforehand.
In his new YouTube video Formula 1 expert Windsor discusses the situation surrounding the 'new' rule. It has been known for years that drivers are not allowed to wear jewelry or piercings in the cockpit, but never before has it been strictly controlled.
"I think it was a little bit surprising that it was brought out in the open. It was obviously a surprise to Lewis and you think there would have been a discussion behind closed doors. After all, the guy is a 7 time world champion and he has been wearing jewellery from the minute he joined McLaren and joined Formula 1," Windsor begins.
Hamilton came out with statement
Drivers who violate the rule can count on a hefty fine and even deduction of championship points. For now, Hamilton has a medical exception as he cannot simply remove two piercings, but before the next Grand Prix everything must be gone. Windsor finds it remarkable that better talks have not taken place.
"Because the rule was going to impact the 7 time world champion more than any other driver, you’d imagine that there would be a better discussion about it. Lewis was obviously upset about it and when he arrived at the circuit, he made a statement. He was wearing watches, jewellery, bracelets, the whole thing. Mercedes did then confirm that he took everything off and it was all settled. It wouldn’t have been a great start to the day for Lewis."