After the Miami Grand Prix, the FIA told Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton to take off his earrings anytime he wants to race, giving him a grace period of two races. This means Hamilton has until the Monaco Grand Prix (May 29) to take them off. But the seven-time world champion has said that he would not do so. Hamilton’s piercings, one on either ear and on the nose, have become part of his looks over the years that it is now impossible to imagine him without them.

The FIA’s recent directive is not new at all. The rule have been around for years, but the FIA does not enforce it like its other laws. It is just this season that the FIA is starting to hammer on it, and it seems Hamilton might have to comply one way or the other. But the FIA might have to find a better approach to enforce the laws.

According to the Grand Prix Driver’s Association (GPDA) chairman, Alex Wurz, the rule is one that makes sense, but it could be delivered in a better way: “It is a rule for the right reasons. I would have probably liked a slightly different approach of how to deliver the message.

“I don’t want to end up in football where there are more hands in the air and verbal abuse…you have to work together. It’s a style I would have preferred in this case.”

For the FIA, the rule against jewellery, as well non-complaint underwear, is due to safety reasons, specifically to help protect drivers in the event of a fire. But, like with most other things, delivery is very important. If the FIA is hoping for Hamilton, and other drivers, to comply with the rule, it would have to come down to their level and reason with them so that nobody’s ego is hurt.

As for Hamilton, he feels the sport has more “serious issues” to give their focus to other than things like jewellery on racers. But he has said he would work with the FIA to see how things can be straightened amicably.

Written by: Leon Osamor