Lewis Hamilton says he is unhappy with how the FIA ban on wearing jewelry in Formula 1 has been resolved so far and has no intention of removing the jewelry for which he currently enjoys an exemption until Barcelona (included).
Spurred on by new race director Niels Wittich, the FIA wants drivers wearing non-compliant jewelry and underwear back in the letter of the regulations for safety reasons.
Fines can go up to 250,000 euros in the event of a repeat offense and loss of points is even envisaged.
Hamilton wore nose and ear jewelry for many years and although he eventually removed the jewelry from his ear following a discussion with the FIA, he received a two-race exemption for the piercing in his nose which cannot be removed without medical intervention.
“I got a bye here. I will get a bye for the other races,” he throws.
One of the reasons Hamilton remains defiant, he said, is that wedding rings can still be worn following a clarification made yesterday. It is possible that the rules will be further changed in the near future to clarify the situation.
However, it is unclear whether Hamilton will continue to enjoy a bye or whether the FIA will stick to its position, in which case the stewards will likely end up having to decide whether and how to punish him.
“When they told me regarding the jewelry, they told me that safety is paramount,” adds Hamilton.
“Well, what’s happened in the last 16 years? I’ve been wearing jewelry for 16 years, so safety wasn’t an issue back then!”
“In Monaco, I will wear four watches! Maybe even next time in Barcelona!”
