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via Reuters

via Reuters

Lewis Hamilton and the FIA haven’t seen eye to eye for a very long time and they came at loggerheads once again today in Bahrain. After the conclusion of last season, FIA issued a regulation that prevented drivers from making any political statements without permission from the FIA. Many saw it as a curb on drivers’ freedom of speech, something which Hamilton is passionate about. Ever since then, experts and fans speculated whether the Briton would follow the ruling body’s mandate. He cleared his stance before rolling his car out on the tarmac on Friday.

Before the curb on political statements, the ban on jewelry became a bone of contention between the FIA and Hamilton. Fans know Lewis loves every piece of jewelry he carries, ranging from his ear stud to his nose pin and rings. Despite the rule-making body’s attempt to crack down on it, he stood his ground.

Lewis Hamilton continues to frustrate FIA with non-compliance with their rules

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Before the start of the first practice session, FIA released the list of teams that confirmed their drivers complied with the jewelry ban rule before stepping into the car. All teams had their name on the list, however, Hamilton got a special mention as the Mercedes team doctor, in a report, mentioned that it wasn’t possible for the Briton to remove some of his jewelry without disfiguring the said jewelry or the body part.

Later, news through some inside channels broke that the FIA asked Lewis if he was going to make any political statement during the race weekend. The 7x-time champion did not give a definite answer to the question. But once fans tuned into the live coverage of the session, they saw him sport the LGBTQIA+ pride flag on his crash helmet.

Have a look at how lauded him for his bravery in standing up to the FIA once again.

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Some fans were worried that his antics might land him into trouble, resulting in disqualification or some other penalties.

Some appreciated him for standing his ground and not abandoning the beliefs he is passionate about.

Another fan praised him for putting all doubts about whether he will comply to rest on the very first day of action.

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Watch This Story: Lewis Hamilton Warns F1 Over Ban: Chop My Right Ear With Piercings Welded On

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Do you think the FIA will practice a heavy-handed approach this time around to make sure every driver complies with its rules? Or are drivers like Hamilton too big a beast for them to tame?