Lewis Hamilton will race in the Miami and Spanish Grand Prix with no worries about the FIA’s jewellery ban, thanks to an exemption for his nose stud.
The seven-time Formula One world champion has been at the centre of a “unnecessary spat” over the governing body’s need to guarantee that rules regarding jewellery and flameproof underpants are duly obeyed.
The FIA indicated that the scrutineering that teams must self-administer before this weekend’s Miami race will cover “compliant undergarments” and “the wearing of jewellery.”
Hamilton has been at the centre of this discussion because he has worn jewellery in his nose and ear while driving, and Mercedes’ first scrutineering declaration following the new mandate in Miami did not originally indicate he is compliant with not wearing jewellery.
However, before Friday’s first practise session, the FIA issued a statement stating that Mercedes had completed the scrutineering declaration. Hamilton is regarded to be in compliance and will have no problems with the FIA this weekend.
Hamilton has taken out his earring but has been granted an exception for the nose stud, which cannot be removed. According to reports, this is only valid for two races, but it’s unclear whether Hamilton will need the stud removed from his nose in the long run.
The FIA has imposed restrictions on jewellery because it can weaken the protection provided by racewear. Jewellery can impede heat transmission protection “and so may raise the danger of burn injuries in the case of a fire,” according to FIA race director Niels Wittich.
“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,” he said.
