FIA President Reveals Backstage Conversations With Lewis Hamilton As F1 Jewelry Ban Debate Rages

It looks like the jewelry controversy in Formula One is not going to end soon. Many drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, have spoken out against the new jewelry rule enforced by the FIA. He mentioned that the governing body of motorsports is targeting him by enforcing this rule.

Although he has removed his ear piercing from his body, his nose ring will require surgery. FIA have given him time until Monaco to sort out his piercing situation and after which they will decide to take action against him if he refuses.

Now the FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is chiming into the controversy; The Arab gave his take on the issue. Ben Sulayem cheekily mentioned that he loves jewelry but stands with the FIA in the ongoing Hamilton debacle.

He also revealed that he had some private conversations with the Mercedes driver ahead of the Miami GP. In the conversation, Hamilton had made a plea to the FIA President regarding the jewelry ban.

FIA President gives his opinion on Lewis Hamilton jewelry ban post-Monaco

Ben Sulayem revealed he understands Hamilton’s situation but stands with the FIA in the rule’s enforcement. He also took a dig at the previous government of the FIA and mentioned that he does not know why the rule wasn’t enforced earlier.

“I love jewelry. Absolutely love it. But in the car, there can be no choice. People say they (the rules) haven’t been implemented before. Don’t ask me why not. People can ask the old regime why that is the case,” said FIA President.

He also gave his take if Hamilton refuses to take off his nose ring by Monaco. “That’s up to him. There are fines that apply. It’s like if someone speeds on the roads – you can’t stop them doing it but they get fined, even if it was accidental.

“You can’t let people off because they are your friends. There has to be one rule for all, and that’s that,” said Ben Sulayem.

READ MORE: Why Do F1 Drivers Wear Balaclavas?

It is still unclear whether FIA would fine or ban Hamilton if he refuses to abide by the rule after Monaco. It is fascinating to see how the governing body is going about enforcing this rule on the drivers.

The safety element is an important factor, but there has to be some other way to avoid this whole mess and controversy created in the past few weeks. Let’s see what happens over the Monaco Grand Prix if the 7-time world champion does decide against removing his nose ring.

WATCH THIS STORY: From Serena Williams to Chris Hemsworth: Celebrities Lured by the Glitz and Glamor of Monaco