Hamilton feuds with F1 in Miami

Last weekend’s inaugural Formula One race in Miami had some of that classic F1 backroom drama with the FIA insisting it will enforce its ban on drivers wearing jewelry while competing. Seven-time champ Lewis Hamilton protested by wearing three watches, eight rings and multiple necklaces, but ultimately removed everything but some piercings before getting in his car. The FIA granted Hamilton a waiver for the next two races so he can make plans to have piercings he can’t take out surgically removed. The Brit must have all his piercings removed by the Monaco Grand Prix on May 29 or risk a fine of $308,000. Hamilton is having a terrible season by his standards. His spat with FIA has created speculation he will quit F1 and he suggested he might not bend on this issue, saying Friday: “If they stop me, then so be it. We’ve got a spare driver.” Jewelrygate is the type of off-track drama that helped F1 capture a U.S. audience. Hamilton was sixth on Sunday, one spot behind Mercedes teammate George Russell and the fourth time in five races he has finished behind Russell this season.