Lewis Hamilton threatens to skip Miami Grand Prix over jewellery ban

Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton
said he would rather skip the Miami Grand Prix than comply with the FIA’s
latest move to ban jewellery from the race. 
The governing body of the F1 took this step as a safety measure to
prevent accidents and injuries.

Also Read: Watches, jewellery banned from Miami Grand Prix, F1 announces $265,000 fine for offenders

“If they stop me, so be it,” Hamilton
told reporters ahead of the inaugural Miami Grand Prix on Friday.

On Saturday, FIA announced that wearing
jewellery on any part of the body during the Miami Open Grand Prix will draw a
hefty fine from the governing body of the sport. F1 drivers have already been
prohibited from wearing jewellery since 2004 but the rule has never been
implemented seriously.

Also Read: Formula 1: What penalties will Lewis Hamiltion face if he keeps defying FIA’s jewellery ban?

However, FIA gave Hamilton a two-race
exemption as some of his jewellery items cannot be easily taken out.

“We’ve got a spare driver so we’re ready
and prepped,” Hamilton added, suggesting he would rather see the team’s reserve
drivers Stoffel Vandoorne or Nyck de Vries take his place on the grid.

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

“There’s lots to do in the city anyway,”
he quipped while wearing three watches, eight rings, four necklaces, earrings,
and a nose stud during the press conference

“I’ve been in the sport for 16 years …
it seems unnecessary for us to get into this spat.”

Also Read: F1: Charles Leclerc takes pole for Miami GP as Ferrari dominates front row

“It’s a step backwards if you think
about the steps we’re taking as a sport and the more important issues we need
to be focused on,” he said. “I’m here to be an ally of the sport … there’s
bigger fish to fry.”

Hamilton previously said at the
Australian Grand Prix that he would have to get his ears “chopped off” to
comply with the rules, as he said his earrings welded to his body.

Also Read: Formula 1: What penalties will Lewis Hamiltion face if he keeps defying FIA’s jewellery ban?

“I’ve got several piercings that I
really can’t take out, that not a lot of people know of,” Hamilton said,
laughing. “These ones on my right ear are literally welded in so I’d have to
get them chopped off or something like that. So they will be staying.”

As per FIA’s rules, a first-time offence
will draw a $52,000 fine, while a persistent repeat offender could face up to a
$265,000 penalty and the potential loss of championship points if he is caught out
for the third time.