Lewis Hamilton on collision course with F1 chiefs over ‘bling’ ban

Formula One drivers have been reminded that they are not allowed to wear jewellery while racing, prompting Lewis Hamilton to joke on Friday he had piercings he can’t take out.

READ | F1 TO RETURN TO SA? A TRIP DOWN PITLANE TO THE LAST RACE IN 1993

The ruling was included in the event notes for this week’s Australian Grand Prix issued by new FIA race director Niels Wittich, who is in the role at Albert Park following the sacking of Michael Masi.

It is not a new regulation, but reportedly follows some drivers being spotted wearing jewellery while in their cars.

READ | FORMULA ONE RETURNS TO THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF LAS VEGAS AFTER 40 YEARS

“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,” the ruling states.

‘I have piercings I can’t remove’ joked Lewis Hamilton

A number of drivers wear jewellery in the paddock, which is allowed, notably seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

“I’ve got several piercings that I really can’t take out, that not a lot of people know of,” the Briton joked when asked about the ruling.

“But that’s been the rule forever so nothing new,” he added.

READ | FORMULA ONE’S SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL CAR DRIVER REPLACED FOR 2022 SEASON

The ban was introduced in 2005 as a safety precaution to reduce the risk drivers face when they need to escape from a car following a crash.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

READ | NETFLIX’S ‘DRIVE TO SURVIVE’ DOCUMENTARY UPSETS F1 DRIVERS