MIAMI | The International Automobile Federation (FIA) does not intend to laugh about safety and will impose hefty fines on all those who do not respect its instructions.
Thus, this jewelry story caused a lot of talk on this weekend of the first Miami Grand Prix where the drivers were informed that they had to remove all their ornaments before taking the wheel.
The main target of this rather surprising measure is certainly Lewis Hamilton, who wears very visible necklaces and bracelets.
Furious, the seven-time world champion did not hide his displeasure when he was informed of the intentions of the leaders of the FIA.
On Friday, at a press conference, he clearly demonstrated his frustration when he appeared in front of journalists with his rings and necklaces prominently displayed as well as three wrist watches displaying three different time zones.
another layer
The FIA has added a layer of it by also banning watches while most drivers are associated with watchmakers as sponsors.
“If they want me to stop racing, let them do it,” exclaimed Hamilton. We have reserve drivers ready to take over and I am willing to step down. There are plenty of things to do in Miami and I will have no trouble keeping myself busy.
“We have made a lot of progress to improve our sport and safety,” he continued. I’ve been playing this sport for 16 years and I’ve been wearing jewelry for 16 years. I don’t see why that should change…”
After May 29
If the FIA keeps its positions, it has also accepted a compromise. Hamilton and the other drivers will have until May 29 (after the Monaco Grand Prix) to comply with his demands.
The Briton will have to remove all his jewelry, including his nose piercing and his earrings before hitting the track at the wheel of his Mercedes.
According to the FIA, “wearing jewelery and watches can hinder medical interventions and subsequent diagnosis and treatment if necessary following an accident”.
After May 29, pilots will be subjected to a rigorous check. If they do not comply, a first offense could relieve them of some $70,000 Canadian and a second of $340,000.
On the third penalty, a loss of championship points would be added to the $340,000 fine.
For the record, this ban on wearing jewelry was introduced in 2005, but it has never really been applied. However, the situation will soon change.
Vettel’s mockery
Another controversy that seems to be gaining momentum in F1 is this measure, still imposed by the FIA, forcing drivers to wear fireproof underwear, therefore fireproof, under their uniform.
Sebastian Vettel stood out on Friday when he wandered around the paddock area wearing boxer shorts over his racing suit, which delighted the photographers who passed him and fueled social networks.
“It was just a joke,” said the Aston Martin team driver. It was my way of demonstrating that there are more important things to deal with in F1 than underwear…”