Lewis Hamilton happy not to race at Miami GP if F1 enforces jewellery ban

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Lewis Hamilton said that the ban on drivers wearing jewellery in the car was a step backwards and that he would rather spend the weekend in Miami than racing this weekend.

Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, the race director reminded drivers that they are not allowed to wear jewellery in their cars.

In Miami, the FIA banned jewellery under a scrutineering declaration form distributed to all teams, and has clarified which clothing drivers must wear underneath their overalls for safety reasons.

The wearing of jewellery during the competition can hinder both medical interventions as well as subsequent diagnosis and treatment should it be required following an accident. The presence of jewellery can slow due to the risk of snagging, the emergency removal of driver safety equipment, and overalls.

The wearing of jewellery in the form of body piercing or metal neck chains is not allowed during the competition and may therefore be checked before the start.

Hamilton appeared to be making a point in Friday morning's news conference as he was wearing several necklaces, rings on every finger and three watches, each set to a different time zone.

He joked that he couldn't get any more jewellery today.

Hamilton said it would be difficult to remove his piercings.

It is not magnetic because it is Platinum that I have. It has never been a safety issue.

In 16 years, I have not had to take out the Platinum because of the many scans I have had.

If they stop me, then so be it.

We have a spare driver so we are prepared for the weekend. There are a lot of things to do in the city. Either way, it will be good.

Hamilton was unable to get hold of Mohammed bin Sulayem, the president of the FIA, on Thursday but said he would discuss the issue on Sunday.

It is almost like a step backwards if you think about the steps we are taking as a sport, and the more important causes that we need to be focused on.

I think we have made great strides as a sport. This is a small thing.

I have been in the sport for 16 years and I have been wearing jewellery for 16 years. I only have my earrings on and my nose ring in the car. It doesn't make sense for us to get into this.

The drivers offered their support at the news conference.

Pierre Gasly said he would not feel comfortable racing without a religious symbol.

I understand Hamilton's comments. I think there are bigger things to focus on.

I have a religious item that I wear with me when I race which is important to me. I don't think I'm comfortable not having that in the car. We should have the freedom to do what we want.

At the end of the day, we have a responsibility to put our lives at risk. It should be up to the individual.