Lewis Hamilton has bowed to pressure from Formula One’s governing body by removing his ear piercings for the Miami Grand Prix. Hamilton arrived for Friday’s official press conference wearing a ring on every finger, a series of necklaces, a bracelet, earrings in both lobes and three watches – two on his left wrist and one on his right – in a clear show of defiance against the FIA’s jewellery ban.
The seven-time world champion also indicated he would even be prepared to withdraw from Sunday’s race in protest. But less than three hours later, and following a series of discussions with the FIA, Hamilton performed a U-turn by agreeing to take out his earrings.
The ban on drivers wearing jewellery in the cockpit has been in place for a number of years.
But the ruling is now being strictly enforced by new F1 race director Niels Wittich and Mohammed ben Sulayem, the FIA president. The teams received a scrutineering message from the FIA on Thursday, stating: “The wearing of jewellery in the form of body piercing or metal neck chains is prohibited during the competition and may therefore be checked before the start.”
Explaining the ruling, the FIA continued: “Metallic objects, such as jewellery, in contact with the skin can reduce heat transmission protection and thus may increase the risk of burn injuries in the event of a fire.
“The wearing of jewellery during the competition can hinder both medical interventions as well as subsequent diagnosis and treatment should it be required following an accident.
“The presence of jewellery can slow the emergency removal of driver safety equipment such as helmet, balaclava, and overalls. Jewellery in and/or around the airway can pose specific additional risks should it become dislodged during an accident and either ingested or inhaled.”
Hamilton was seventh and fourth fastest in the opening two practice sessions, respectively, on Friday for the inaugural Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, 8 May.
Source: thesouthafrican
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