Nels Wittich notified the grid of the body’s decision to limit the number of decorations a driver may wear, know what is the F1 2022 jewellery ban and rule
Last weekend’s Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne sparked an unexpected controversy when one of the FIA’s new race directors, Nels Wittich, notified the grid of the body’s decision to ban jewelry worn inside a driver’s fireproof gear before entering the car.
Given the small number of drivers who wear jewelry, it was easy to predict that Lewis Hamilton would be the first in line to be penalized for breaking the regulations.
Explained F1 2022 Jewellery Ban, Rule And Fines
What does the FIA rule state?
Drivers are not permitted to wear any material beneath their suit, according to Appendix L of the FIA’s International Sporting Code. And must instead wear fireproof underwear that meets rigorous standards.
“The wearing of jewelry in the form of body piercing or metal neck chains is banned during the tournament. And may therefore be checked before the start,” Wittich said before the Australian General Practitioner.
According to sources, Wittich informed the field of the rule’s strengthening, but it won’t go into effect right away, and drivers will have a few races to acclimatize. If drivers do not follow the restrictions when they are implemented, they will likely be fined or reprimanded.
The regulation has been in effect since 2004, yet it has never been implemented. However, new race director Wittich, who replaced Michael Masi following last year’s championship decider drama, is keen on implementing the regulation to guarantee high safety standards, citing Romain Grosjean’s catastrophic collision at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix as an example.
Drivers have been told that watches will be added to the sport’s jewellery ban, with fines for contravention of the rules potentially as high as $265,000. A first offence risks a $52,000 fine, while a persistent repeat offender could face up to a $265,000 (250,000 Euros) penalty and the potential loss of championship points if he is caught out for a third time.
What is the purpose of the prohibition:
Before the Australian Grand Prix, new F1 race director Niels Wittich advised drivers that wearing jewelry in the form of body piercing or metal neck chains was forbidden during the competition.
Since 2004, the provision, which is found in Article 5 of Appendix L of the FIA’s International Sporting Code, has been in effect. It was created to safeguard drivers in the case of a hasty evacuation from the vehicle following an accident.
The prohibition of body piercings or chain jewelry is not new. And it has been in place for quite some time.
Why Lewis Hamilton is defying it?
Even if we assume Wittich’s opinions on the rule are pure. Hamilton does not agree and believes it is a step too far. Hamilton went on to finish fourth in Melbourne while sporting his piercings.
Following the race, the 37-year-old British driver stated that he has no plans to comply with the FIA’s demands because some of them are tough to remove.
“I have no intention of removing (jewelry), he informed the press. I believe there are personal issues, and you should be allowed to be yourself. I can’t move some things, therefore I can’t even take these out.
“These on my right ear are practically cemented in. I’ll have to get them cut off or something, but they’ll be staying.”
Mercedes casts doubt on Wittich’s decision:
Toto Wolff questioned Wittich’s reminder about the jewelry prohibition, saying, “Is that a battle he needs to have?”
Wolff congratulated the race director for not putting “a single foot wrong” in the first several races.