Lewis Hamilton calls out Formula 1 chiefs for not wearing masks during meeting

Sir Lewis Hamilton has said that he felt ‘uncomfortable’ during a recent meeting between Formula 1 chiefs and drivers, after many in attendance failed to wear masks.

The two-hour meeting, chaired by F1’s new race director Niels Wittich, was held on Friday night ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, where Hamilton will start fifth on the grid with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc on pole.

Among the matters discussed were the tightening of rules surrounding jewellery being banned and an insistence on fireproof underwear being worn, issues that Hamilton has already questioned the significance of.

Speaking after Saturday’s qualifying session, the seven-time world champion said: ‘No one in the drivers’ briefing were wearing masks. Some of the drivers were but most of the FIA were not, which for me was uncomfortable.

‘It was the longest drivers’ briefing of my life. I have been racing a long time and they have never done such a long briefing. I don’t understand the small things they are picking up on, like the underwear – are we really talking about that kind of thing? But anyway, you take it and move on.’

Under the law in Melbourne, it is not mandatory to wear a face mask in an enclosed space, but Hamilton’s fear is understandable given the Brit previously caught COVID-19 in December 2020 and has spoken previously of the suffering the virus caused him.

In July last year, Hamilton said: ‘I’ve been fighting all year, really, with staying healthy after what happened at the end of last year. It’s still a battle.

‘I remember when I had it, training’s been different since then, the levels of fatigue that you get, it’s different.’

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