Mayra Madrigal
Lewis Hamilton is not happy with the FIA’s new rules that ban drivers’ being able to wear jewelry and, due to his annoyance, he may not race at the fifth round of the F1 calendar in Miami this weekend.
The Mercedes driver was true to his style and wore all the jewelry he could get his hands on this Friday in Miami. He did so in a form of protest against the FIA’s absurd rule that wants to prevent drivers from getting piercings and wearing their jewelry while behind the wheel.
In the middle of the press conference the Englishman, who wore 2 earrings, 8 rings, 3 watches and 4 necklaces, and clearly did so on purpose, told reporters “I couldn’t be wearing any more jewelry today.”
For Lewis Hamilton, the fact that the FIA pays attention to something that has nothing to do with the sport itself, makes him think that there is a setback, as he says that in the 16 years he has been competing in motorsport, he has always wore jewelry and sees no problem with it.
“I feel like it’s almost like a step backwards. If you think of the steps we have taken as a sport and the more important issues and causes we need to be focused on… I think we’ve made great strides as a sport. I’ve been in the sport for 16 years, and I’ve been wearing jewelry for 16 years. In the car, I’ve only got the earrings on and the nose ring, which I can’t even take off…. It seems unnecessary for us to get into this spat.”
The FIA decided to prohibit the use of jewelry and sent a form to each team stating that it is due to safety reasons:
“Wearing jewelry during competition can hinder both medical interventions and subsequent diagnosis and treatment should it become necessary after an accident. The presence of jewelry may slow down, due to the risk of ‘snagging’, the removal of the driver’s safety equipment, such as helmets, balaclavas and overalls,” the form cites.
Lewis Hamilton challenges the FIA
Sure, that makes sense from a safety standpoint, but Lewis Hamilton seems unconcerned about that and has challenged the FIA, hinting that he doesn’t mind if he is barred from competing because he is wearing jewelry, since Mercedes has a spare driver, and he could do other things around town.
“If they stop me, so be it. We have a reserve driver, so we’re ready and prepared for the weekend—there’s a lot to do in Miami anyway! It will be good either way.”
In the midst of all the drama, Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin driver, spoke about it and believes that it is unnecessary for this to be a topic of dispute in Formula 1, as he believes this is targeted specifically at Lewis Hamilton:
“I think it’s unnecessary to blow this issue up and probably at this stage it’s more of a personal issue: I feel it’s directed at Lewis in a particular way. In a way, there is a safety concern; obviously, if you have stuff and the car catches fire. To some extent, there is personal freedom and we are old enough to make our own decisions.”
We don’t know where this novel will end, but Lewis Hamilton’s decision seems firm and he will not give up his style no matter how much they want to force him. Having been world champion on seven occasions, he cares little about the new impositions.
