Here we go again – it’s race week. While we wait to see what the fourth edition of the Miami GP has in store, let’s revisit what happened during the first edition – but not the on-track events. This time, we’re rewinding the tape to tell a story that unfolded off the circuit, featuring the FIA and Lewis Hamilton as the main “rivals.”
Chapter I: How the chaos began
May 2022: everything began with a statement released by the FIA during the week of the Miami Grand Prix. It read: “The use of jewelry in the form of body piercings or metal chains is prohibited during competition and may therefore be checked before the start.” But that wasn’t all – it also referred to regulations concerning fireproof underwear: “Only in the case of justified medical reasons can non-FIA-approved underwear be worn by drivers, and only between the skin and FIA-approved garments. Otherwise, synthetic and non-fireproof underwear is not allowed.” This was a direct reference to Article 5, Chapter III of Appendix L of the Sporting Regulations.
This rule has been in effect since 2005, and its purpose is rooted in safety. However, over the years, it was never strictly enforced. The FIA had long allowed drivers to wear all kinds of accessories freely. The idea behind the rule is to avoid severe consequences in the event of accidents. One such example is Romain Grosjean’s horrific crash in Bahrain in 2020, where a violent impact at Turn 3 split his car in half and triggered a fire. Miraculously, the Frenchman escaped with only burns on his hands.
Chapter II: FIA’s fear and Hamilton’s defiance
That terrifying incident highlighted the fact that in motorsport, nothing can be taken for granted. Despite major safety advancements, the FIA continues to seek improvements – and the jewelry ban is part of that effort. At the time, race director Niels Wittich – supported by Eduardo Freitas – was unyielding: “If anyone dares to wear them, consequences will range from a hefty fine to a grid penalty.”
But the drivers weren’t having it. Faced with mandates lacking constructive dialogue, they pushed back. It has always been this way – the FIA and drivers often seem to operate on parallel tracks, rarely intersecting. That brings us to May 5, 2022 – the day of the usual Thursday press conference. Among the participants was Lewis Hamilton, who immediately found himself at the center of attention.
Chapter III: The rebellion, with a trusted ally
A bracelet, eight rings, three necklaces, three watches, and several earrings. That’s how Lewis Hamilton responded to the FIA’s mandate, also voicing his frustration in multiple interviews: “Drivers should be allowed to be who they are. I have no intention of removing them – they’re personal. Plus, I have some earrings that are welded in, so I’d have to cut my ears off. And I’m not going to do that.” His sentiment was backed by team principal Toto Wolff, who called it “a big and unfortunate misstep by Wittich.”
Adding to the protest was Sebastian Vettel, who expressed his disagreement with the FIA’s stance on underwear. On Friday, the German appeared with a rather unusual look – wearing branded underpants over his racing suit. Two world champions, united against a rulebook.
The conclusion
Want to know how it ended? Neither driver was penalized, and Hamilton received an exemption from the FIA to gradually remove certain piercings. By Saturday of that weekend, the Brit had significantly reduced the amount of jewelry he was wearing. Gone were the luxury items – replaced by gloves, long fire-resistant underwear, high socks, and flameproof shoes.
The accessories could return during pre- and post-race interviews, but on the track, they’d take a little nap. And so, the curtain closed on one of the most heated disputes in modern F1 – a reminder that, after all, safety comes first.
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