While the Monaco Grand Prix is often considered the jewel in Formula 1’s crown, continuing talks over the banning of jewellery worn by F1 drivers is threatening to take away some of the race’s glitz. As revealed by RacingNews365.com during the Miami Grand Prix, the sport's governing body, the FIA, introduced two additional clauses in the scrutineering documentation that teams are required to submit prior to an event. These passages specifically outline the compliance of drivers with International Sporting Code articles pertaining to the wearing of jewellery, and that underwear conforms to FIA fire-proof standards. However, RacingNews365.com has learned that dialogue between the drivers and the president of the FIA medical commission, Dr Sean Petherbridge, will continue this weekend. Regulations governing the wearing of jewellery have been in place for over 15 years. Although incoming FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem fully supports the position of the Race Directors that the regulations should be respected, the governing body is willing to accommodate requests of a personal and/or religious nature from drivers.
Amongst those in close discussions with Petherbridge is seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who has been one of the most vocal opponents of the jewellery ban. Thus the matter is subject to ongoing discussions between the FIA's medical and safety commissions, the drivers individually and via the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, and the Race Directors in an earnest attempt to reach an equitable solution. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the enforcement of the jewellery ban will be delayed until the 30 June, and therefore it is unlikely that penalties are handed down this weekend should any driver wear or carry jewellery during competitive sessions.
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