Lewis Hamilton faces fines and potential race ban if he doesn't remove jewellery by end of May
- Sean Fisher
- 16 May 2022
FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem has confirmed that Lewis Hamilton will be fined should he fail to stop wearing jewellery while driving in F1.
The dispute over jewellery and piercings between Lewis Hamilton and the FIA continued this week, with the seven-time world champion publicly questioning why the rule is only just now being enforced.
Out of spite, the Mercedes F1 driver wore multiple watches, necklaces and bracelets through much of his media presence during the Miami GP weekend.
But it seems the FIA are keen to stamp out all jewellery among their drivers, with president Mohammed ben Sulayem confirming that Hamilton will be fined should he fail to remove all jewellery when driving.
Despite his clear protests against the rule, Hamilton did seem to comply with the ban for the Miami Grand Prix last weekend, but it's not been confirmed whether the Mercedes driver removed all jewellery and piercings.
Thanks for all the support, Miami. See you tomorrow pic.twitter.com/kR7XZFiCD0
ā Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) May 7, 2022
As a result, Hamilton and the rest of the F1 grid have been given a two-race 'grace period' to ensure all jewellery and piercings are removed when driving.
It's an agreement that will only run until the end of May, meaning failure to remove them in the upcoming Spanish GP could see Hamilton receive a race ban for the prestigous Monaco GP in two weeks time.
What a fight Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen put on for us in Spain last year šæ
ā Formula 1 (@F1) May 16, 2022
Who's excited for this weekend?! š#SpanishGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/3C9NhHokQD
When asked about the punishments that may be handed to Hamilton, Mohammed ben Sulayem said "That's up to him. There are fines that apply.
"It's like if someone speeds on the roads - you can't stop them doing it but they get fined, even if it was accidental.
"You can't let people off because they are your friends. There has to be one rule for all, and that's that." He added: "I love jewellery.
"I absolutely love it. But in the car there can be no choice. People say they (the rules) haven't been implemented before. Don't ask me why not.
"People can ask the old regime why that is the case."
All eyes will be on Hamilton in Spain this week, with the next race taking place around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Sunday, with the start scheduled for 14:00 BST.
