Brilliant boxer shorts nonsense
Bucky Vettel mocks F1 underpants ban
05/07/2022, 09:49 am
After record champion Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel also criticized the ban on jewelry and underwear in Formula 1, because it was a “personal thing”. The Aston Martin driver mocks the racing series in his own unique way – and wears his boxer shorts over his racing suit.
The ban on jewelry and underpants in Formula 1 continues to cause displeasure among the drivers. After record champion Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel also criticized the new regulations. “That’s personal freedom. We’re old enough to make our own decisions. Then we should be able to do that in the car, too,” said the 34-year-old before the premiere race in Miami. Previously, the German race director Niels Wittich had announced that he would tighten the crackdown on wearing jewelry and non-fireproof underwear in the cockpit.
Vettel showed incomprehension about the new hard line of the rulers. “There is no need to blow this subject up. It feels like a personal thing aimed at Lewis,” said the Aston Martin driver. As a sign of disobedience, Vettel ran through the pit lane before the opening practice session with gray boxer shorts pulled over his racing suit. Race director Wittich had informed the teams in Miami that in future they would also have to provide official documents that their drivers would not wear any jewelry or private underwear in the car. Wittich also announced spot checks.
Hamilton had criticized the bans as “a step backwards for our sport” and “very, very stupid”. The record world champion usually wears several earrings and other jewelry on his body. He couldn’t easily take off at least two pieces of jewelery either, said the Briton and even threatened to give up racing because Mercedes finally had a replacement driver. He had therefore already turned to the head of the world association, Mohammed bin Sulayem. After lengthy discussions, the 37-year-old gave in and removed his earrings. He received an exceptional permit for his nose piercing until the race in Monaco at the end of May.
The world association Fia states that the reason for the measures is that rings, chains or piercings could pose unnecessary obstacles for first responders and doctors in emergencies. In addition, jewelry on the skin as a heat conductor can reduce the protective effect of overlying fireproof clothing. “This increases the risk of burns in a fire,” it says. Last but not least, the jewelry itself carries the risk of injury and could be swallowed in accidents.
It is also not permitted to wear commercial underwear, which is allegedly still common practice for some drivers. Only clothing that meets the FIA Formula 1 standards is permitted. Vettel protested against it in his very own way.