Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Louis Hamilton was told to take off his earrings and was given an exception for two nose piercing races after Formula One continued its crackdown on jewelers.
Louis Hamilton was told to take off his earrings and was given an exception for two nose piercing races after Formula One continued its crackdown on jewelers.
Lewis Hamilton agreed to remove the ear piercing for the Miami GP, although he called the Formula One jewelry ban a “step back” and “unnecessary”.
Hamilton seemed poised to oppose the FIA’s decision on jewelery pilots – as part of the Miami Grand Prix screening process – and at a press conference on Friday even joked that he would be willing to miss a race if the governing body the sport insists on their search.
But hours later, and after discussions with the FIA, Hamilton stepped back and removed the ear piercing.
Drivers have also been given permission for two races to look at other aspects of their jewelry, which means Hamilton still doesn’t have to part with his hairpin – which has been welded and has to be surgically removed.
Craig Slater of Sky Sports News reported that “there will be further discussions between pilots, teams and the FIA to see if the rules themselves can be changed. For example, if pilots can prove to the FIA that their jewelry is safe. “.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Lewis Hamilton says he will work with the FIA to resolve the ongoing dispute over his jewelry, acknowledging that there are more important issues to focus on.
Lewis Hamilton says he will work with the FIA to resolve the ongoing dispute over his jewelry, acknowledging that there are more important issues to focus on.
The ban on drivers wearing jewelery on the cockpit is safety-oriented and has been in place for several years.
But the decision is now being strictly enforced by the new director of Formula One racing, Nils Vitikh, and Mohamed bin Sulayem, the FIA president.
In his remarks from the Miami GP, new F1 race director Nils Wittich said jewelry “could reduce the protection provided by” racing clothing for pilots, increasing the risk of injury and potentially hindering medical interventions.
Hamilton had previously suggested he would oppose the rule.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Lewis Hamilton says he hopes the performance of the Mercedes car could improve this weekend and says the team will continue to fight every race.
Lewis Hamilton says he hopes the performance of the Mercedes car could improve this weekend and says the team will continue to fight every race.
“I feel it’s almost like a step backwards if you think about the steps we take as a sport and the more important issues and causes we need to focus on,” he said, while adorned with jewelry at the press conference.
“It simply came to our notice then.
“I think we’ve made such big strides for the sport … and it’s such a small thing.”
Hamilton also said his jewelry “has never been a safety issue in the past”, adding that the consequences could be: “If they stop me, so be it.
“We have backup drivers who are ready and prepared for the weekend. There’s a lot to do in town anyway, so I’m good at both.”
Hamilton reveals contact with FIA Vettel: He is a target
Eager to avoid a clash with the FIA, Hamilton revealed on Friday that he had sent a message to new President Mohamed Ben Sulayem about the rule.
“I assured him I wanted to be an ally, I didn’t want to argue with you about that,” Hamilton said.
“It’s about individuality and being who you are. That’s very, very stupid.”
Hamilton also explained: “I’ve been in the sport for 16 years and I’ve been wearing jewelry for 16 years.
“I think we have bigger fish to fry, bigger things to do, more impact, so I think that’s really the focus.”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Simon Lazenby is joined by Martin Brundell and Jenson Button to look forward to the Miami Grand Prix.
Simon Lazenby is joined by Martin Brundell and Jenson Button to look forward to the Miami Grand Prix.
Hamilton added that he would be happy to sign a waiver, which allowed him to continue wearing jewelry in the car and took responsibility for safety from the FIA.
He was also supported by his fellow pilots, with Pierre Gasley – sitting next to Hamilton at the press conference – particularly supportive.
“I appreciate the FIA that takes care of our safety,” Gasley said. “But in my personal case, I also have religious items that I carry with me when I race, that are important to me, that I don’t feel comfortable not having with me while driving.
“It simply came to our notice then. We must have the freedom to do what we feel is right for us.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
George Russell sympathizes with his teammate Lewis Hamilton and says things “didn’t go his way” this year.
George Russell sympathizes with his teammate Lewis Hamilton and says things “didn’t go his way” this year.
“Ultimately, it is our responsibility to go out there, to put our lives at risk … and I really think it has to be a personal choice. But I respect the FIA and their will to always improve safety. “
Four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel added: “I think it’s a little unnecessary to blow this up.
“Probably at this point it’s more of a personal thing and I feel special in a Lewis-oriented way. We’re old enough to make our own choices.”
What are the FIA guidelines for jewelry?
In his remarks before the Miami GP, race director Wittich confirmed the crackdown on jewelery, as well as drivers wearing normal underwear under their approved refractory underwear – which is believed to be the FIA’s biggest concern.
The note on the jewelry read: “Metal objects, such as jewelry, in contact with the skin, can reduce protection against heat transfer and thus may increase the risk of injury from burns in the event of a fire.
“Wearing jewelry during the competition can interfere with both medical interventions and subsequent diagnosis and treatment if necessary after an accident.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
With forecasted temperatures of 28-30 degrees, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen expects a tough race at the Miami GP.
With forecasted temperatures of 28-30 degrees, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen expects a tough race at the Miami GP.
“The presence of jewelry can delay, due to the risk of” catching “, the urgent removal of driver safety equipment such as helmets, balaclavas and overalls.
“If medical images are needed to inform the diagnosis after an accident, the presence of jewelry on the body can cause significant complications and delays.
“In the worst case, the presence of jewelry during the depiction can cause additional injuries.
“Jewelry in and / or around the airways can pose specific additional risks if displaced during an accident and ingested or inhaled.”
Add Comment