3 watches, 10 rings, and a chunk of chains: Hamilton prepares showdown with F1's 'bling' police

Lewis Hamilton suggested on Friday he was prepared to defy the International Automobile Federation's (FIA) jewellery clampdown, even if it means missing this weekend's inaugural Miami Grand Prix.

Formula One has unenforced rules on driver jewellery, but that relaxed attitude changed with Race Director Niels Wittich's guidelines for Sunday's race.

He wrote that driver jewellery and underwear should be checked, to ensure they comply with the FIA's fire-proof safety standards.

Hamilton told a pre-race press conference he was not prepared to shed his bling.

"If they stop me, so be it," he said. "We have spare drivers, so we're ready and prepared for the weekend. There is lots to do in this city so, I'll be good either way!"

He was wearing three watches, a bracelet, earrings, necklaces and a nose stud for the press conference.

"I couldn't get any more jewellery on," he joked.

??? "It's almost a step backwards."Lewis Hamilton responds to the FIA's recent decision to tighten rules on F1 driver's wearing jewellery in their race cars ?? pic.twitter.com/Kov2FnEPPt

"We have made such great strides as a sport. We are here in Miami and it is such a small thing. I have been in the sport for 16 years. I have been wearing jewellery for 16 years.

"In the car, I only have my earrings on and my nose ring, which I can't even remove."

The 37-year-old seven-time world champion said he was prepared to sign a waiver to take responsibility for his own safety and had been trying to make contact with Mohammed Ben Sulayem the new president of the FIA.

"It seems unnecessary for us to get into this spat so I will try to communicate and work with Mohammed. I am here to be an ally of the sport, of Mohammed and F1 and I think we have got bigger fish to fry --