May 07, (THEWILL) – Sir Lewis Hamilton has threatened to skip the Miami Grand Prix, if the Formula One governing body, the FIA, does not back down over the wearing of jewellery in the car.
The Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 team race driver criticised the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) for focusing on the regulation in what he described as a “silly spat.”
For safety concerns, drivers are not permitted to wear jewellery while driving. The rule has not been strictly enforced until this season, when Niels Wittich, the new race director, notified drivers that he would be strictly enforcing it and inspecting drivers for jewellery.
Interestingly, Mohammed ben Sulayem, who is the new FIA president, is said to be backing Wittich on this enforcement of the anti-jewellery regulation for race drivers.
In Miami, however, Hamilton made it plain that he would resist the order, even if it meant being judged ineligible to race. Hamilton emphasised that he had worn his nose and ear rings in the car without trouble for much of his career and that they could not be removed.
“If they stop me, so be it. We have a spare driver, so we are ready and prepared for the weekend. There’s lots to do in the city anyway, so I’ll be good either way”, Hamilton said.
Hamilton stated he attempted contacting Sulayem directly to try to address the situation, but had received no reply and was harsh in his view of the FIA’s handling of the issue.
“If you think of the steps we have taken as a sport and the more important issues and causes we need to be focused on, this is such a small thing. It seems unnecessary for us to get into this spat. We have bigger fish to fry. I want to be an ally and I don’t want to fight over this. It’s very, very silly.”
The disagreement and the likely loss of F1’s most high-profile driver in the US, is the last thing the sport wants for its showcase in Miami. Liberty Media, F1’s owner, had made no secret of its intention to hold races in “destination” cities, and to make every weekend feel like a Super Bowl.
This weekend will undoubtedly be the climax of their goals and it will be a disservice for the leading Mercedes driver to not be in the races as they play catch-up to Red Bull and Ferrari.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
