Lewis Hamilton threatens to PULL OUT of F1’s first-ever Miami GP over jewellery row with FIA… due to SECRET piercing
LEWIS HAMILTON has threatened to PULL OUT of the first-ever Miami Grand Prix after admitting he has a secret piercing.
The FIA are pushing through a ban on drivers wearing jewellery starting this weekend at the inaugural race in Florida.
SunSport understands that Mohammed bin Sulayem, the FIA's President, is fixated on cracking down on Hamilton, as he flexes his muscles since taking the role in December.
But Hamilton says he has at least two piercings he is unable to remove.
Hamilton made a statement by wearing three watches, eight rings, four necklaces, one bracelet and two earrings during today's press conference.
He said: “I really don't know. As I said, I can’t remove at least two of them. One I can’t really explain where it is.
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“But what I can say is it's platinum that I have, so it's not magnetic. It’s never been a safety issue in the past.
"I've worn [jewellery] for 16 years, had so many MRI scans and not had to take out the platinum, for example, because it's not been an issue.
“So yeah, if they stop me then so be it. We’ve got a spare driver. So we’re well prepped for the weekend.
"There’s lots to do in the city anyway so it will be good either way. I couldn't get any more [jewellery] on today!
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"I feel like the ban is almost like a step backwards. If you think of the steps we're taking as a sport, and the more important issues and causes that we need to be focused on and really pushing.
"We have made such great strides as a sport, look, we're here in Miami.
"This is such a small thing, I've been in the sport 16 years, I've been wearing jewellery for 16 years.
"I mean, I only ever have in the car my earrings on and my nose ring, which I can't even remove.
"So it seems unnecessary for us to get into this spat, so I'll try to communicate and work with Mohammed.
"I'm here to be an ally of the sport, of Mohammed and F1, but I think we have got bigger fish to fry, bigger things to do.
"More impact to have, so I think that's really where the focus should be.
JEWEL IN THE CROWN
"I am willing to sign a waiver, to take the responsibility away from them and they're expensive, if they want me to.
"I did try calling Mohammed this morning, I am sure he is super busy, but I wanted to reassure him I want to be an ally.
"And that I don't want to fight with you guys over this. It is very, very silly. Let's have a good weekend."
When asked about the incoming rule earlier this season, Hamilton added: “I don’t have any plans on removing them.
"They are personal things. You should be able to be who you are. There is stuff that I cannot move. I literally cannot even take these out.
"These ones on my right ear are welded in so I would have to get it chopped off. They will be staying.”
Hamilton's resolve comes after race director Niels Wittich sent a letter to teams yesterday revealing his intention to clamp down on jewellery.
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The letter explained how items could become lodged or snagged, while also impairing flame-resistant clothes.
Wittich added: “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.”