Breaking Down FIA’s Controversial Jewelry Ban & What It Could Mean for the Rebellious Lewis Hamilton

There’s a lot of bling on the F1 grid; it’s not unusual for drivers to embellish their paddock walk with a little bit of shimmer. However, according to the FIA regulation, that’s where the glimmer should stay: on the paddock. This doesn’t bode well for the sport’s fashion icon Lewis Hamilton, who rightfully contends with the FIA’s recent request.

The Australian GP triggered a debate surrounding a driver’s right to wear jewelry when in the car. While drivers do choose to leave out their watches, and often, chains- Hamilton remains the only driver with visible piercings on.

The weekend in Melbourne saw FIA re-enforce an age-old regulation. The Sporting Code reads: “The wearing of jewelry in the form of body piercing or metal neck chains is prohibited during the competition and may therefore be checked before the start.”

This rule has been around since 2004 but was never enforced. Until now.

Read more: Game On! Lewis Hamilton Shuts Down FIA Jewelry Ban With Icy Statement

In an attempt to increase the safety of drivers, race director Nels Wittich seems adamant to enforce this rule. Further, the weekend in Miami stokes the flames of this issue. Somehow, it was this particular race where these rules were implemented. The drivers were required to submit a self-scrutineering form, stating their compliance with the rule.

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes brushed it off.

What happens if Lewis Hamilton & Co ignore this rule?

The former champion sensationally showed up at the Miami GP press conference, blinding the cameras with three watches, four chains, eight rings, and a pair of earrings topped off with his signature nose ring. Boldly standing up for what he believes in, the move was admirable. However, both he and the Silver Arrows could face heavy repercussions.

If a driver dons jewelry during races, the first infringement carries a fine of € 50,000 [$52,700] and € 25,000 [$26,350] on probation. A second violation results in € 100,000 [$105,400] and € 25,000 on probation. However, if the driver continues to defy the rule, there is a third strike. It includes a € 250,000 fine alongside a deduction in championship points.

Further, if the team provides the race director with false information regarding their drivers, they can be asked to pay a quarter of a million euros as a fine.

Playing the devil’s advocate: The FIA’s perspective

While Hamilton finds the situation petty- ‘These are little things. Completely unnecessary”- Maybe the FIA is onto something. Wittich remembers Grosjean’s terrifying incident at the 2020 Sakhir GP and hopes to reduce the risk of additional injury during a similar situation.

To put things in perspective, in the case of a fire, the jewelry could easily melt and do further damage to the person wearing it. Further jewelry could also reduce the effects of their fireproof clothing or impede first aid during an accident. Earrings could snag on clothing, the helmet, or even the balaclava worn under it.

In a dangerous sport like F1, where, in the blink of an eye, the coin could flip, safety measures are of utmost concern. But surely, in a sport as advanced as this, there could be alternatives.

Regardless, the Brit has been given two races, until the Monaco GP, to fully comply with the rules. Will the F1 paddock’s brightest driver give in?

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