F1 Fans Set on Rampage As Will Buxton Takes Controversial Stance on Lewis Hamilton- Jewelry Ban Debacle

Will Buxton is one of Formula 1’s well-known faces. Famous for his lines on Drive To Survive, race predictions, and opinions on Twitter, the paddock would be incomplete without him. But Will also runs into trouble with fanbases sometimes, and this time his opinions on the Lewis Hamilton jewelry case have caused some outrage.  

Recently, Buxton tweeted, “In full knowledge Hamilton’s fans will disagree, this feels like a strange hill to plant your flag on. Lewis and Merc called on the FIA to apply the rules to the letter. The new RD is doing that. You don’t get to choose which rules you want to follow”.

This hasn’t sat well with Lewis’s fans and tweeted in response to their disagreement with Will. 

Many pointed out why wedding rings were allowed, but normal rings aren’t. While many even asked if Vettel was Lewis’s biggest fan because of Sebastian’s support in this situation. 

Why are Lewis Hamilton and FIA at war over jewelry?

Before Formula 1 went racing in Australia, Race Director Neils Wittich reminded the drivers of the FIA International Sporting Code, which prohibits drivers from wearing jewelry in the car. The agenda was back again in Miami, where a stand-off begun between Lewis and the FIA. Hamilton then showed up for Friday’s Miami press conference wearing more jewelry including necklaces, watches, and rings. 

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Many drivers have expressed their support for Lewis Hamilton, including Sebastian Vettel. “Well, I think it is a bit unnecessary to blow this topic up,” Vettel said.

“Probably, at this stage, it’s more of a personal thing, and I feel, in a particular way, targeted to Lewis.”

Vettel also commented that it should come down to personal choice rather than forcing it through the rules. 

“Obviously, if you have stuff (jewelry) and the car does catch fire, then it will be unpleasant.”

“But on the other hand, I think, to some degree, it’s personal freedom. We’re old enough to make our choices outside the car, [and] we should be old enough to make choices also inside the car.”

Other drivers such as Kevin Magnussen and Pierre Gasly have also said a few words on the matter. Kevin in particular has no interest in picking up a fine but would never race without his wedding ring. Pierre Gasly, who wears a cross around his neck for religious reasons, believes that drivers should have the freedom to decide.  

WATCH THIS STORY: F1 Drivers Fighting on Track