Lewis has a nose for trouble in stud row!
LEWIS Hamilton is set for another collision course with Formula One’s governing body over the jewellery row which could threaten his participation at Sunday’s British Grand Prix.
A record 142,000 fans are expected at Silverstone for one of the highlights of Britain’s sporting summer – the majority of whom will be there to support the seven-time world champion. But Hamilton is facing the astonishing prospect of being expelled from his home race, with the FIA’S deadline to remove his nose stud expiring today.
Hamilton was afforded a two-race medical exemption at the Miami Grand Prix on May 8 – to the seventh round of the campaign in Monaco on May 29 – to remove the item of jewellery which he says is not easy to take out. A second extension was then agreed. But if Hamilton keeps his nose stud in place for first practice at Silverstone tomorrow, and further concessions are not granted by the FIA, he is likely to be summoned to the stewards.
While a number of options are available, including a reprimand or fine, the worst-case scenario is a suspension for breaking the rules.
Such a breach would mean he is ineligible to take part in qualifying on Saturday for his home race.
The ban on drivers wearing jewellery in the cockpit has been in place for a number of years.
But FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem and race director Niels Wittich have been keen to enforce the rule on safety grounds. And there is a
We shouldn’t have to keep on revisiting this thing every weekend. We’ve definitely got bigger fish to fry.
Lewis Hamilton
growing feeling within the governing body that additional exemptions should not be granted.
Speaking at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix earlier this month, Hamilton said: “Honestly, I feel like there’s just way too much time and energy being
given to this. The rule came in in 2005. I think we’ve all worn jewellery throughout our careers in Formula One. It’s not been a problem in the past and there’s no reason for it to necessarily be a problem now.
“We shouldn’t have to keep on revisiting this thing every weekend. We’ve definitely got bigger fish to fry.”