Hamilton lashes out at FIA jewellery ban and vows not to comply

Race director Niels Wittich reminded drivers of rules regarding the jewellery they wear ahead of Sunday’s inaugural Miami Grand Prix.

Hamilton arrived in Miami decorated by jewellery including three watches - 24 hours later, the FIA issued a new statement saying that watches count as jewellery.

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The FIA insist their regulations are to keep drivers safe.

Hamilton removed ear piercings on Friday but insists that his nose stud cannot be taken out - he has a two-race exemption for that item. He hit out at the rules after Saturday’s qualifying.

Q: Are you satisfied with the resolution of the jewellery situation?

 Hamilton: "No."

 Q: You are going to have to take nose stud out permanently?

Hamilton: “No”

 Q: Not going to do it? 

Hamilton: “No.”

 Q: What will happen in Monaco?

Hamilton: “I got an exemption here, I’ll get an exemption the rest of the year. Wedding rings are allowed.”

 Q: Are we going to go through same again for Monaco or not? 

 Hamilton: “Sure. I’ll wear four watches next time.”

The Mercedes driver added: “I mean, this whole safety thing man. 

“When they told me about the jewellery, they were saying safety is everything. 

“I said well, what's happened for the last 16 years? I've had jewellery on for 16 years. So was was safety not an issue back then? 

“When we come to these new tracks, they do the best job. I think they've done a great job in all of these new tracks with safety, you can't predict every single corner, where we're going to need Tecpro, but safety on track is great. 

“So I think we of course after an experience like this weekend, we can know that that’s an area that we can improve on. But that's a part of the lessons we learned.”

He had previously said: “I’m willing to sign a waiver to take responsibility away from them, If I need to. It’s about individuality and being who you are.”

Hamilton will start the Miami Grand Prix from sixth on the grid.

Toto Wolff on the F1 jewellery ban...

“What was needed was a dialogue between Lewis and Mohamed,” Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said.

“It is clear the regulations are to protect the drivers.

“I am sure they will come to a good resolution.”

What are the FIA rules on jewellery and underwear?

The new guidelines ahead of the Miami GP read: “Metallic objects, such as jewellery, in contact with the skin can reduce heat transmission protection and thus may increase the risk of burn injuries in the event of a fire.

“The wearing of jewellery during the competition can hinder both medical interventions as well as subsequent diagnosis and treatment should it be required following an accident.

“The presence of jewellery can slow, due to the risk of “snagging”, the emergency removal of driver safety equipment such as helmet, balaclava, and overalls. 

“In the case that medical imaging is required to inform diagnosis following an accident the presence of jewellery on the body can cause significant complication and delay. In the worst case the presence of jewellery during imaging may cause further injury. 

“Jewellery in and/or around the airway can pose specific additional risks should it become dislodged during an accident and either ingested or inhaled.” 

On the compliant underwear regulation, Wittich said: “The above noted regulation is written to ensure that the FIA-approved Flame-resistant clothing, including both the outer layer overalls and inner layer in contact with the skin can operate effectively and provide the designed level of protection if exposed to flames."