FIA President Says Hamilton Could Face Fines For Continued Jewellery Use

For long years, F1 has had rules prohibiting drivers from wearing jewellery, but it is only this year that the FIA has appeared to enforce those prohibitions.

Hamilton has spoken out about the issue, asking why the FIA is only now enforcing the safety rule. At the Miami Grand Prix, the 37-year-old appeared to submit to FIA pressure by removing nearly all of his jewellery. Just before practise for the Miami Grand Prix, Hamilton reportedly spoke with FIA doctor Sean Petherbridge on the subject.

However, he has only been given a two-race “grace period” to remove every other body piercings, if he intends to continue racing for the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team.

As this grace period only lasts until the end of the month, his chances of competing in the Monaco Grand Prix are in peril. According to reports, Hamilton may be barred from competing in the famous event at the end of May.

Ben Sulayem publicly addressed the issue of the FIA’s jewellery ban for the first time recently. While the FIA president did not indicate whether Hamilton would be barred from driving in Monaco, he did say that sanctions would be imposed.

“That’s up to him. There are fines that apply,” he said. “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. I love jewellery. I 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.”

Next week, Formula One returns to Europe for the Spanish Grand Prix, and all eyes will be on Hamilton to see if he has removed his nose piercing.