LEWIS HAMILTON could be on collision course with the new FIA race boss, who want to ban his bling.
Niels Wittich, who has replaced axed race director Michael Masi after he failed to follow the rules in the final race of last season, has taken the unusual step of reminding drivers they cannot wear jewellery when they race.
Writing in the event notes for this weekend’s Australian GP in Melbourne, the German has reminded drivers of the sporting code.
He said: “The wearing of jewellery in the form of body piercing or metal neck chains is prohibited during the competition & may therefore be checked before the start.”
While this is not a change to the rulebook, as the FIA first started clamping down on drivers wearing chains and body piercings back in 2005, it is unusual for it to resurface.
The FIA are adamant that the move is NOT targeted at any particular driver – although Hamilton has raced with a nose piercing, while others also wear rings and bracelets.
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Instead they say that Wittich wants to ensure that the rules are adhered to on the basis of safety.
While no driver has been punished for wearing jewellery under their racesuits, in Formula E Lucas di Grassi, Jean-Eric Vergne and Andre Lotterer were all punished with £8,500 fines for having non-confirming underwear.
Should F1’s drivers fail a pre-race inspection themselves on Sunday, then it is likely they will also be fined.
Meanwhile, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has played down his team’s chances of rediscovering their pace in Melbourne.
The Silver Arrow was only third quickest in the opening two races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and was suffering with aerodynamic problems.
However, Wolff says they can expect no “magic fix” this weekend in Australia.
He said: “We are in a learning race and the first two weekends have shown we still have plenty to learn.
“At the moment, our track performance is not meeting our own expectations, but everyone at Brackley and Brixworth is focused on understanding the problems and finding the right solutions.
“There won’t be a magic fix for the next race weekend, but we’re pushing to steadily bring gains over the upcoming races, to hopefully move us closer to the front of the pack.
“Until then, we need to maximise each opportunity and make the most of the package we have.”
