MIAMI – Lewis Hamilton has called Formula One’s ban on drivers wearing jewelry in the car “a step backwards” and “very silly,” saying he will happily spend the weekend sightseeing in Miami rather than racing this weekend. of the week if the sport’s governing body, the FIA, rigorously enforces the rule.
Ahead of Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix, race director Niels Wittich reminded drivers that they are prohibited from wearing jewelry in the car under the FIA International Sporting Code, which was also raised ahead of the Australian Grand Prix in April. .
In Miami, the FIA banned jewelry under a scrutiny statement form distributed to all teams and has clarified what clothing drivers must wear under their overalls for safety reasons.
Wittich’s clarification read: “Wearing jewelry during competition can hamper both medical interventions and subsequent diagnosis and treatment should it become necessary after an accident. The presence of jewelry can slow down, due to the risk of ‘snagging ‘, the emergency”. removal of the driver’s safety equipment, such as a helmet, balaclava and coveralls”.
It added: “The wearing of jewelry in the form of body piercings or metal neck chains is prohibited during the competition and may therefore be checked before the start.”
Hamilton seemed to be making a point at Friday morning’s news conference, as he wore multiple necklaces, rings on each finger and three watches, each set to a different time zone.
“I couldn’t get any more jewelry today,” she joked when asked about the ban.
Hamilton said he has two piercings that would be difficult to remove.
“It’s platinum that I have, so it’s not magnetic. It’s never been a security issue in the past.
“In 16 years, I’ve had so many MRIs and I didn’t have to get the platinum out because it hasn’t been easy.”
He then added: “If I get stopped, so be it.
“We’ve got a spare driver so we’re all set and ready for the weekend. There’s plenty to do in the city anyway! It’ll be good either way.”
Hamilton, who added that he is willing to sign a waiver to take the responsibility off the FIA, was unable to reach FIA president Mohammed bin Sulayem on Thursday but said he plans to discuss the matter before Sunday’s race.
“I feel like it’s almost like a step backwards, if you think about the steps we’re taking as a sport and the bigger causes we need to focus on,” he added.
“I think we’ve made great strides as a sport. This is such a small thing.
“I’ve been in the sport for 16 years and I’ve been wearing jewelry for 16 years. In the car I’m just wearing the earrings and the nose ring, which I can’t even take off. It seems unnecessary for us to get into this dispute.”
All four drivers seated next to Hamilton at the press conference offered their support.
AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly said he wouldn’t feel comfortable racing without a religious symbol on him.
“I understand [Hamilton’s comments]. I think there are more important things to focus on.
“I have a religious item that I wear with me when I run and it’s important to me. I don’t feel comfortable without it in the car. I feel like it’s personal, we should have the freedom to do whatever it is.” we feel it is right for us.
“At the end of the day, we have a responsibility to go out and put our lives on the line. It should be a personal choice.”
Reference-www.espn.com