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FIA agrees: 'I think it's a bit of a crazy reaction from Hamilton, though

FIA agrees: 'I think it's a bit of a crazy reaction from Hamilton, though

09-05-2022 15:35

GPblog.com

Jan Lammers does not understand why Lewis Hamilton is causing so much fuss in the real 'jewellery-gate'. The Mercedes driver refuses to have his piercings removed, but the FIA is now threatening to impose penalties that could go as far as deduction of points in the world championship if the rules are flouted permanently.

Hamilton argues that the international motorsport federation should be concerned about other things. In Friday morning's press conference in Miami he also appeared with several watches, bracelets and jewelry as a statement. In the days that followed in the United States Hamilton also made it clear several times that he was not going to budge.

Lammers supports FIA

The rule has not been enforced in recent years and Hamilton finds it incomprehensible that it is now suddenly being enforced. Lammers disagrees. "I think it's a bit of a crazy reaction," he says in the Formula 1 podcast of the NOS. "He wonders if there are not better things to do, but I think he takes it too personally. It's not about him and whether he's been doing that for 16 years."

The FIA states that jewelry is prohibited for safety reasons. The former Formula 1 driver can understand this and does not understand why Hamilton is being so difficult. "You have to imagine that in medical procedures and making X-rays in extreme cases, then that kind of jewelry are disturbing factors. Just from him, the professional... he has to be open to change even after sixteen years," Lammers said.

Will Hamilton listen?

A piercing is not something Hamilton can simply have removed, which is why he was given a medical exemption at the Miami Grand Prix. In Barcelona, the FIA does expect the seven-time world champion to appear in the paddock without piercings and jewelry, but the chances seem slim that Hamilton will comply.