Lewis Hamilton threatens to boycott Miami Grand Prix over F1 jewellery ban

Lewis Hamilton has made a bold threat ahead of the Miami Grand Prix as he made his disapproval of an F1 ban clear for all to see.

Lewis Hamilton isn’t a fan of Formula One’s jewellery ban.

That much was clear from his antics ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, which gets underway on Monday morning (AEST).

Race director Niels Wittich wrote in his guidelines that driver jewellery and underwear should be checked, to ensure they comply with the FIA’s fireproof safety standards.

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In his race notes, Wittich said: “Metallic objects, such as jewellery, in contact with the skin can reduce heat transmission protection and thus may increase the risk of burn injuries in the event of a fire.”

The seven-time world champion let his fashion do the talking when he strolled through the paddock in Miami wearing a plunging blue outfit that revealed his chest tattoos and several silver and pearl necklaces.

Hamilton voiced his disdain for F1’s bling ban at the press conference, which he showed up to wearing three watches, a bracelet, eight rings, four necklaces, two earrings and a nose stud.

He said he would need to “chop my ears off” to remove his earrings, adding he wore three watches because they were set to three different time zones.

“I couldn’t get any more jewellery on,” Hamilton said.

Lewis Hamilton doesn’t think much of F1’s jewellery ban. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP)

The 37-year-old said he didn’t agree with F1’s ban on drivers wearing jewelleries during races and revealed he has a couple of secret piercings he can’t take out.

“I really don’t know,” he said.

“I can’t remove at least two of them. One I can’t really explain where it is. But what I can say is it’s platinum that I have, so it’s not magnetic. It’s never been a safety issue in the past.

“I’ve had so many MRI scans, for example, and I don’t have to take out my platinum ones.”

Hamilton even jokingly threatened he would be willing to sit out the race if he was banned from the Grand Prix for his jewellery.

“If they stop me then so be it,” he said.

“We have spare drivers, so we’re ready and prepared for the weekend. There is lots to do in this city so, I’ll be good either way!”

After making his threat, Hamilton removed most of his jewellery for the practice session but he was allowed to keep his nose stud in, thanks to an exemption that is reportedly for two races.

You can tell what Lewis Hamilton things of the bling ban. Photo: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images/AFP

Just enough bling. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP)

Drivers were reminded of F1’s bling ban at last month’s Australian Grand Prix but Hamilton believes the action could create an “unnecessary spat”.

“It’s almost like a step backwards, if you think about the steps we’re taking as a sport and the more important issues and causes we need to be focusing on,” he said.

“I think we’ve made such great strides as a sport … this is such a small thing.”

Hamilton confirmed he had contacted new FIA president Mohammed bin Sulayem about the jewellery ban.

“It’s about individuality and being who you are,” the Brit said.

“I sent (bin Sulayem) a message just reassuring him that I want to be an ally. I don’t want to fight with you guys over this. This is very, very silly.”

Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel believed the jewellery ban appeared to be aimed at Hamilton specifically.

“Probably, at this stage, it’s more of a personal thing and I feel in a way targeted to Lewis,” he said.

Mercedes showed significant improvement during practice for the Miami Grand Prix. Hamilton produced the fourth fastest lap while his teammate George Russell topped the timesheets ahead of qualifying.