Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes has a spare racer ready to race at the Miami Grand Prix if the FIA tries to impose an “unnecessary” ban on jewelry.
The FIA highlighted existing regulations banning jewelry earlier this season, and spoke in more detail about the Miami review, explaining that the ban poses a risk of increased heat transfer in the event of a fire, or items caught or shifted from a major accident. Hamilton arrived at the press conference in a huge number of jewelry items, including three watches, and says he was making a point.
“I couldn’t get more jewelry today!” Said Hamilton. “I feel it’s almost like a step backwards when you think about the steps we’re taking as a sport and the more important reasons we need to focus on.
“I think we have achieved really great success in sports. This is such a trifle. I have been in sports for 16 years and have been wearing jewelry for 16 years. In the car I only have earrings and a ring in my nose that I can’t even take off.
“It seems unnecessary to us to get into this dispute. So I will try to communicate and work with Mohammed (Ben Sulay). I am here to try to be an ally of sports, Mohammed and Formula One.
“As I said, we have bigger fish to fry, bigger deals, bigger effect. So I think we need to focus on that.
“At least two of the (jewelry) – one, I can’t explain where it is – but it’s platinum, so it’s not magnetic. This has never been a security issue in the past. In 16 years I’ve done so many MRIs and I didn’t have to get a dam.
“If they stop me, so be it. We have a spare driver so we are all ready for the weekend. Anyway, the city has something to do! In any case, it will be good. “
Mercedes ’stock is Nick de Vries, who is present in Miami, but Hamilton says he is also willing to abdicate from the FIA responsibility for the choice of jewelry.
“I am ready to sign a waiver to absolve them of responsibility if I need to,” he said. “It’s about individuality and what you are. I tried to call Mohammed this morning, but I’m sure he was very busy. I sent him a message simply assuring him that I wanted to be an ally and didn’t want to fight you because of it. This is very stupid. I haven’t received an answer yet, but I’ll try to talk to him before the race. “
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https://racer.com/2022/05/06/hamilton-says-he-wont-race-if-fia-enforces-jewelry-ban/