Hamilton explains jewellery plans after FIA warning

Lewis Hamilton says he will continue to wear jewellery, including piercings, at future F1 events, despite a reminder from the FIA that they are banned.

First introduced back in 2005, Appendix L (Chapter III, Article 5) of the FIA's International Sporting Code has long mentioned that wearing jewellery in the form of body piercings or metal neck chains is prohibited.

Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, Race Director Niels Wittich reminded drivers of the rules by including a paragraph from the Sporting Code in his pre-weekend race notes.

But, despite the prompt, Hamilton was seen once again to be wearing jewellery in his ears and nose as he pulled on his helmet ahead of the race at Albert Park.

Hamilton: Drivers should be allowed to be who they are

Speaking after the event, Hamilton made clear that he intends to continue to sport his piercings, adding that drivers "should be able to be who they are".

"I don't have any plans of removing them," Hamilton told members of the media, including RacingNews365.com, when asked if he would still wear the jewellery.

"I feel they are personal things and you should be able to be who you are."

Gesturing to his ear, the Mercedes driver added: "There's stuff that I can't remove. I literally can't even take these out.

"These ones on my right ear, they're literally welded in so I would have to get [them] chopped off, or something like that. They'll be staying."