Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has shown his support for Lewis Hamilton and other drivers who wish to wear jewellery, following the FIA's clampdown. F1's governing body introduced rules prohibiting the wearing of jewellery while out on track back in 2005, but they have rarely been policed. However, jewellery declarations became a formal part of the FIA scrutineering process at the Miami Grand Prix, spearheaded by new Race Director Niels Wittich. Hamilton was unable to remove some of his piercings and received an exemption for the event, as well asthis weekend's Spanish Grand Prix. He will need to remove all piercings ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix (27-29 May) or risk punishment, though he has already stated that he plans to ignore the deadline.
Marko backs Hamilton over F1 jewellery drama
Asked for his views on the matter, Marko sided with the seven-time World Champion. It comes a few weeks after the Austrian suggested that Hamilton might be thinking "he should have stopped last year" amid Mercedes' early-season struggles. "I think one goes too far in this; it is an individual decision of a driver and therefore of Hamilton," Marko told RTL Deutschland . "I'm sure he's had his jewellery for a number of years, so why all of a sudden all this fuss? "One should have other concerns and one should accept and respect the individuality of the drivers."
What's the latest from Hamilton?
Speaking in Barcelona on Friday, Hamilton suggested that his mind remained fixed on refusing to remove certain items of jewellery. When asked if he had changed his thoughts on his previous hints that he would not be getting his piercings removed by Monaco, Hamilton told media, including RacingNews365.com : "I haven't. No news." Hamilton was then quizzed on whether he had had any further talks with the FIA on the issue. "I haven't had any discussions with anybody since the last time I spoke on Sunday of the last race," Hamilton explained. "What I am aware of is that those who are married are allowed to wear their wedding ring."
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