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via Reuters

via Reuters

A saga we did not expect to last long as it did was the Lewis Hamilton and the FIA jewelry ban. The Briton is a fashion icon and always struts his stuff on his Friday ‘paddock walks’. During these walks, Hamilton showcases his style, and the jewelry is a big part of his fashion statement.

However, in the FIA rulebook, drivers are forbidden from wearing jewelry during a race. The rule has been in existence since 2005 but has become prevalent only in 2022. Race director Niels Wittich announced they will enforce the jewelry ban as per FIA’s International Sporting Code ahead of the Australian GP.

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Following Wittich’s statement, Hamilton said, “I’ve got certain piercings that I really just can’t take out that not many people know of.”

However, in his recent interview with Vanity Fair, the Mercedes man jokingly rescinded his statement.

He recalled, “As I said, I can’t remove at least two of them. One, I can’t really explain where it is.”

But laughingly admitted, “I was just f**king with it. I don’t have any other piercings anywhere. But I love that there’s this thinking: Sh*t, has he got his b*lls pierced?”

Read More: Fans Back Lewis Hamilton in the ‘Biggest F*ck You’ to Controversial F1 Jewelry Ban

Hamilton, to spite the FIA and ridicule the ban, protested non-verbally first, before communicating his non-compliance. At the Miami GP press conference, Hamilton turned up with 3 watches, 8 rings, 4 necklaces, and 2 earrings. And even though Hamilton was only joking about his piercings, he had the world wondering for a second.

However, Hamilton felt attacked by the jewelry ban.

Lewis Hamilton felt targeted by the FIA’s jewelry ban

The seven-time world champion felt targeted by Wittich’s directive on the jewelry ban. During the Vanity Fair interview, Hamilton candidly voiced his opinion on the jewelry ban.

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via Reuters

He said, “People love to have power. And to enforce power.”

And added when asked if he felt it was all directed toward him, “I mean, yeah. Because I’m the only one that has jewelry on, really.”

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Watch This Story: F1 Fans Bash the FIA as Lewis Hamilton Is Now Forbidden From Donning His Jewelry

The Mercedes man eventually complied with the rules, keeping in mind the safety aspect of it all. Additionally, Mercedes and the Briton had bigger problems during that time, problems with the W13 that they’re on top of now.