Lewis Hamilton got some relief when the FIA extended the jewellery exemption until June 30. The strict enforcement is set to begin at the British Grand Prix on July 1-3. However, the British driver, currently racing in Monaco, seems unconcerned. He brushed off the debate saying, ‘we have better fish to fry’. 

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Hamilton and the FIA, Formula 1’s governing body, have engaged in a face-off over jewellery ban. The Appendix L  the latter’s International Sporting Code states: “The wearing of jewellery in the form of body piercing or metal neck chains is prohibited during the competition and may therefore be checked before the start.”

Lewis Hamilton, who protested against the rule by walking in the Miami International Autodrome laden with jewellery, was given a two-race exemption, which was set to expire at the Monaco GP. However, the extension means, if he continues wearing the watches and studs in Silverstone, the Mercedes driver will face penalties. 

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In Monaco, the seven-time world champion, removed his earrings before getting into the car. But his nose studs were on. 

“Honestly I feel like there’s too much time and energy being given to this. It’s not where my focus is this weekend. I’ve taken my studs out every time I’ve been in the car and I will continue to do so, and the nose ring is not a problem at the moment,” Hamilton said in Monaco on Friday.

“I’ve arrived as me and I’ll continue to arrive as me.”

Other drivers have also protested against the rule. Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel suggested that he felt it was “targeted” towards Hamilton. 

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“It hasn’t been a problem in the past and there is no reason for it to be now. It is positive we are working with them and they are accommodating a little bit at the moment, but we shouldn’t have to keep on revisiting this thing every weekend. We have definitely got bigger fish to fry,” Hamilton added.