Lewis Hamilton is set to go head to head with the FIA once again as the jewellery row continues. More than 400,000 spectators are expected to descend upon Silverstone for the British GP this weekend and Hamilton will hope to produce another stellar performance in front of his home crowd.
However, with the FIA's deadline to remove his nose stud expiring today, the seven-time world champion may be forced to watch the action from the sidelines. Back in May ahead of the Miami GP, Hamilton responded to FIA's jewellery ban by arriving at the pre-race press conference with a series of necklaces, a bracelet, earrings in both lobes and three watches - two on his left wrist and one on his right.
Following a series of discussions with the FIA, Hamilton performed a U-turn by agreeing to take out his earrings. But the British driver was granted a two-race medical exemption after Miami which ended the weekend of the Monaco GP. Due to Hamilton’s nose stud being difficult to remove, a second extension was then granted.
However, it was reported that if the 37-year-old shows up for the first practice session at Silverstone still sporting his nose stud, he is likely to be summoned by the stewards. With the worst case scenario being suspension, Hamilton may face a lighter punishment such as a reprimand or fine.
Such a breach would mean he is ineligible to take part in qualifying on Saturday for his home race. The ban on drivers wearing jewellery in the cockpit has been in place for a number of years.
However, the ruling is now being strictly enforced by new F1 race director Niels Wittich and Mohammed ben Sulayem, the FIA president. Speaking at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix earlier this month, Hamilton said: "Honestly, I feel like there's just way too much time and energy being given to this.
"The rule came in in 2005. I think we've all worn jewellery throughout our careers in Formula One. It's not been a problem in the past and there's no reason for it to necessarily be a problem now. It definitely is positive that we're working with the FIA and I think they're accommodating a little bit at the moment.
“But we shouldn't have to keep on revisiting this thing every weekend. We've definitely got bigger fish to fry." Hamilton is still searching for his first victory and with Mercedes reportedly bringing upgrades to Silverstone this weekend, the F1 legend will look to hit the ground running and send a strong message to the rest of the field.
