MIAMI — Lewis Hamilton revealed he would rather sit out the Miami Grand Prix than comply with the FIA’s jewelry crackdown.
“If they stop me, so be it,” the seven-time world champion told reporters ahead of the inaugural Miami Grand Prix on Friday.
Drivers have been prohibited from wearing body piercings or metal neck-chains since 2004 but the rule has never been properly enforced.
“We’ve got a spare driver so we’re ready and prepped,” Hamilton added, suggesting he would rather see the team’s reserve drivers Stoffel Vandoorne or Nyck de Vries take his place on the grid.
“There’s lots to do in the city anyway,” he quipped, while wearing three watches, eight rings, four necklaces, earrings, and a nose stud during the press conference.
“I’ve been in the sport for 16 years … it seems unnecessary for us to get into this spat.”
Hamilton went so far as to say he would be “willing to sign a waiver” to “take responsibility away” from the sport’s governing body should there be any safety issues pertaining to his jewelry.
“It’s a step backwards if you think about the steps we’re taking as a sport and the more important issues we need to be focused on,” he said. “I’m here to be an ally of the sport … there’s bigger fish to fry.”
Hamilton previously told The Post at the Australian Grand Prix that he would have to get his ears “chopped off” to comply with the rules, as he wears earrings welded to his body.
“I’ve got several piercings that I really can’t take out, that not a lot of people know of,” Hamilton said, laughing. “These ones on my right ear are literally welded in so I’d have to get them chopped off or something like that. So they will be staying.”