1 week ago. Miami, FL, USA

Lewis Hamilton threatens to skip Miami Grand Prix over jewellery ban

FIA on Saturday asked F1 drivers to remove all jewellery from their bodies before the Miami Open Grand Prix
Due to the new rule, a serial offender could face up to a $265,000 penalty and the potential loss of championship points
FIA took the decision as a safety measure to prevent accidents and injuries

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.

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Lewis Hamilton threatens to skip Miami Grand Prix over jewellery ban

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