F1: Sebastian Vettel shows up in underwear to protest new FIA regulations

Four-time Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel on Friday joined Lewis Hamilton in protest against the FIA’s ban on jewellery, piercings, and unauthorised underwear.

While Hamilton directed a verbal salvo at the sport’s governing body, Vettel, who had already voiced his objections ahead of Friday’s practice, took a more…unorthodox route.

As drivers walked on to the Miami circuit for Friday’s practice session, the 34-year-old German driver was spotted wearing his underwear over his racing suit as a sign of protest.

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While the internet erupted in laughter at Vettel’s medium of protest, many agreed with his view that drivers were old enough to take calls on what to wear.

Indeed, ahead of Friday’s practice session, the Aston Martin driver voiced his support for Lewis Hamilton, telling the press, I think it is a bit unnecessary to blow this topic up and probably at this stage is more of a personal thing, I feel a particular way targeted to Lewis.”

“In a way, there’s a concern for safety, obviously if you have stuff and the car does catch fire. To some degrees, there is personal freedom and we are old enough to make our own choices,” the four-time champion explained.

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The row with FIA began on May 5 after the F1 governing body announced a new set of safety regulations, banning the wearing of jewellery, piercings, and unauthorized underwear during races.

The FIA maintains that the wearing of jewellery and piercings during races is a health risk to drivers as they can aggravate burn injuries in the event of a crash and hinder post-crash medical treatment.

The FIA also maintains that fireproof overalls and underwear are absolute necessities while racing as they can help save drivers’ lives.