Jewelry is also no longer allowed
“Underpants ban” in Formula 1 causes a stir
05/06/2022, 09:35 am
Formula 1 tightens the rules. Wearing jewelry and private underwear is no longer permitted in the cockpit. Too risky, say the rulers of the racing series. The drivers around the legend Lewis Hamilton react with incomprehension.
The Formula 1 rule guards are tightening the procedure against wearing jewelry and private underwear in the cockpit. Starting with the race in Miami at the weekend, the teams must also certify in official documents that their pilots comply with the regulations. The German race director Niels Wittich informed the racing teams about the new measure before the Grand Prix in Florida and announced spot checks. As early as mid-April at the race in Australia, he emphatically reminded the drivers that jewelry and non-fireproof clothing are forbidden in the racing car.
The reason given by the world association FIA 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 the event of an accident. “Wearing jewelry in the form of piercings or metal necklaces is prohibited during the competition,” it said in a statement.
According to the rules, wearing standard underwear, which is allegedly still common practice for some drivers, is also not permitted. Only clothing that meets the FIA Formula 1 standards and is therefore also fireproof is permitted.
Record world champion Lewis Hamilton had recently shown a lack of understanding about the crackdown by the FIA. “I don’t get why they bother with these little things,” said the Mercedes driver, pointing out that he simply couldn’t take some of his jewelry off. “These ones on my right ear, they’re literally welded in, so I’d have to cut them off or something,” Hamilton said. “So stay tuned.”