LEWIS HAMILTON and title rival Max Verstappen put their differences aside to joke about the champion’s nipple piercing amid the FIA’s jewellery warning.
Formula One drivers were issued with a reminder yesterday ahead of the Australian Grand Prix that they are banned from wearing jewellery during races.
Lewis Hamilton could be fined for wearing his nose stud during races
New F1 race director Niels Wittich, who shares the role with Eduardo Freitas after Michael Masi’s sacking, included it in his event notes ahead of Sunday’s Melbourne showpiece.
British racing legend Hamilton will be affected by this as the seven-time world title holder has regularly been seen behind the wheel of his Mercedes with his nose stud in.
That is despite these rules being put in place way back in 2005 – although drivers have not been penalised over it yet.
However, Hamilton appears to be unfazed about it as he joked he has some jewellery that cannot be removed.
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As quoted by the Daily Telegraph, he said: “I’ve got several piercings that I really can’t take out, that not a lot of people know of.
“But that’s been the rule forever so nothing new.”
The 37-year-old then switched his attention to foe Verstappen, the man who controversially beat him to the championship last season.
He said: “I know you have a nipple piercing, man!”
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The Red Bull superstar replied: “You want to see it again?”
Despite no action being taken previously, it appears that the new directors are looking to be a lot sterner.
They could be set to fine anyone wearing any form of body piercing or metal neck chains.
The reminder did state that it was not aimed at any specific individual but said numerous drivers had been spotted wearing jewellery.
Hamilton wore his nose stud at season-ending Abu Dhabi GP as well as last month’s opening race of the campaign in Bahrain – with it visible through his open visor on both occasions.
The FIA have now confirmed that wearing a nose stud does fall foul of the ban.
