‘Obsessed’ FIA President Ben Sulayem Continues to Target Lewis Hamilton Amidst Recent Jewelry Row

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, a fashion icon in his own right, has showcased his flamboyant attires in the paddock. It’s no wonder that he sports some of the most stunning bracelets and watches on and off the racecourse. However, now, the FIA has issued an official request to all teams that no jewelry is to be worn during the Grand Prix by any drivers.

Hence, Hamilton has found himself in something of an uncomfortable bind with Formula One’s governing body, FIA. The Briton came into the Miami GP press conference in protest, showcasing three watches, four chains, and eight rings. As the saga carries on, the FIA has given three weeks’ time for Hamilton to not display jewelry during the Grand Prix.

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

The jewelry ban was implemented only this season when Mohammed bin Sulayem was appointed the president of the FIA. There are always two sides to the story. However, reports suggest that there is a feeling around the grid that the FIA is targeting Hamilton.

Is Lewis Hamilton targeted by the FIA?

As Formula 1 set out for a new era under Bin Sulayem, there were plenty of changes that were proposed. Dealing with last year’s Abu Dhabi controversy was the first in line. The then race director Michael Masi’s decisions are still causing a huge debate among fans and experts alike.

Hamilton was on the wrong end of the decision and as a result, there were rumors suggesting he could retire from the sport. He also did not attend the end of the season prize-giving gala in Paris as a mark of protest, which did not go down well with the newest FIA president.

“If there is any breach, there is no forgiveness in this,” said Bin Sulayem stated during his first press conference as the president. Many believe this was the first act of targeting the Briton.

The report from the times suggests that Bin Sulayem was persistent on the jewelry ban during the meeting with the team principals. Inflation in the UK and the impact of the budget cap on Formula 1 were the topics of the meeting. However, the report states that the president was ‘obsessed’ about the jewelry ban despite others trying to raise different topics.

Hamilton has his say on the jewelry ban

It seems like Hamilton is not ready to back down, as seen during the press conference in Miami. He will be given time until the Monaco Grand Prix or he could face points deduction.

Speaking on the topic, he said, “This is such a small thing. I’ve been in the sport for 16 years and I’ve been wearing jewelry for 16 years. In the car I only ever have my earrings on and my nose ring, of which I can’t even remove. “

“It seems unnecessary for us to get into this spat. So I will try to communicate and work with Mohammed [Ben Sulayem]. I’m here to try to be an ally of the sport, of Mohammed and F1.”

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It will be interesting to see what happens as the days go by and whether the Mercedes driver will abide by the FIA’s ruling. In the meantime, are the FIA really targeting Hamilton? Leave your thoughts in the comments.