Lewis Hamilton says that the FIA have “bigger fish to fry” than ensuring stricter enforcement of driver jewellery regulations.
FIA F1 race director Niels Wittich notified all teams ahead of the Miami Grand Prix weekend that they must now declare their drivers adhere to the FIA regulations regarding jewellery and fireproof underwear as part of the scrutineering procedure.
Speaking at the drivers press conference ahead of first practice at the Miami International Autodrome, while wearing noticeably more accessories than usual, Hamilton said the clampdown marked a “step backwards” for the sport.
“I couldn’t get any more jewellery on today,” Hamilton said. “But I don’t really have a lot more to add than what I already said the last time I was in front of you guys and we spoke about it.
“I feel it’s 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 focussed on and really pushing. I think we’ve 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 for 16 years, I’ve been wearing jewellery for 16 years. In the car only ever have my earrings on and my nose ring, of which I can’t even remove. So it seems unnecessary for us to get into this spat.”
The push by the FIA to ensure compliance with the International Sporting Code regulations on jewellery and approved underwear coincides with the new FIA race control team appointed under recently-elected president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who took over the role following the end of last year’s F1 season.
Hamilton says he will try and reach out to Ben Sulayem to try and encourage the FIA to focus more attention on matters Hamilton believes are of more importance.
“I’ll try to communicate and work with Mohammed,” Hamilton said.
“I’m here to be an ally of the sport of Mohammed and Formula 1 and, as I’ve said, I think we’ve got bigger fish to fry, bigger things to do, more impact to have. So I think that’s really where the focus should be.”
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