As the FIA steps up its clampdown on jewellery and non-conforming underwear, Lewis Hamilton feels the sport should have better things to do as he shows no sign of backing down... far from it.

On Thursday, race director Niels Wittich in a note to the teams included a scrutineering declaration which has been amended for this event to include checks relating to compliant underwear and concerning the wearing of jewellery.

This follows the announcement over the Melbourne weekend when the race director reminded competitors of the rules which states that: "The wearing of jewellery in the form of body piercing or metal neck chains is prohibited during the competition and my therefore be checked before the start."

In a follow up, Wittich advised drivers that the rules regarding underwear were also to be enforced, warning that only underwear that complies with the FIA's regulations will be allowed.

Speaking at today's press conference, even before he had opened his mouth it was clear Lewis Hamilton had a point to prove.

Sporting 3 - count 'em THREE - watches, four necklaces and a ring on every single finger, the seven-time champion made clear his stance on the matter.

"I feel like it's almost like a step backwards," he said, "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.

"I think we made such great strides as a sport," he continued. "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."

Asked what will happen if officials seek to enforce the rule, Hamilton suggested that he was not prepared to kowtow to the demands.

"I think we've got bigger fish to fry," he added, "bigger things to do, more impact to have, so I think that's really where the focus should be.

"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," he added. "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!

"I'm willing to sign a waiver, to take the responsibility away from them, if they want me to. 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."

Check out our Friday gallery from Miami, here.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Superbird70, 06/05/2022 22:01

"Legacies ;
Jackie Stewart
• OBE
• 3 F1 drivers championships
• Advocate to find a cure for dementia
• Championed numerous F1 safety initiatives
o Improved safety barriers
o On site medical teams
o Run off areas
o Full face helmets
o Safety belts
o Fire crews

Lewis Hamilton
• MBE
• 7 F1 drivers championships
• Advocate for diversity and antiracism
• Championed
o Nipple clamps
"

Rating: Positive (5) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

2. Posted by ChickenFarmerF1, 06/05/2022 20:26

"A rule that is not enforced is not really a rule. I'm kind of having conflicting thoughts on this. Removable jewelry should be an easy enough thing. Just take it off for the race, and put it back on once out of the car. But letting him race with non-removable jewelry for years (in apparent violation of the rules the whole time), and now to threaten to not let him race if he doesn't remove it strikes me as wrong.

Here's a reasonable compromise I can see. Driver's cannot add non-removable jewelry (welded/soldered or otherwise impossible to safely remove without tools) after some date (e.g. today). Only already competing drives can retain pre-existing non-removable jewelry with a signed waiver of liability. They are barred from competition without said waiver. All future competitors must remove said jewelry for the duration of their tenure in the sport. Any current driver adding non-removable jewelry (regardless if they have any right now or not) after that date will be barred from competition until they have it removed.

So, current drivers could keep the bling they currently have installed, if they sign a waiver, but can't add more, and new drivers must have any bling removed and current drivers lacking bling can't get any at least until they quit F1."

Rating: Negative (-2) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

3. Posted by KKK, 06/05/2022 20:18

"Weird that they are trying to enforcement thus mud season. Sounds more like an attempt to get some publicity. What next, no wedding rings. F1 is going down the pan. Its ruined now."

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4. Posted by Superbird70, 06/05/2022 19:00

"Wrong principle to fall on your sword for (jewellery). Honestly a little bit of common sense and compromise would go a long way. Sort of diminishes his other efforts."

Rating: Positive (7) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

5. Posted by @R1Racing71, 06/05/2022 18:25

"He’s got some bo@@ocks this lad from Stevenage hasn’t he."

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"It's like a step backwards," says Hamilton of jewellery clampdown

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