Lewis Hamilton ready to boycott Miami GP over jewellery ban

Lewis Hamilton indicated he was ready to withdraw from Sunday's Miami Grand Prix in his ongoing jewellery row with Formula One’s governing body.

Hamilton arrived for Thursday’s official FIA press conference wearing a ring on every finger, a series of necklaces, a bracelet, piercings in both ears and three watches – two on his left wrist and one on his right – in a clear show of defiance.

The ban on drivers wearing jewellery in the cockpit has been in place for a number of years. But the ruling is now being enforced by new F1 race director Niels Wittich and Mohammed ben Sulayem, the FIA president.

But, in response, seven-time world champion Hamilton said: "If they stop me then so be it. We’ve got a spare driver, so we’re well prepped for the weekend. There’s lots to do in the city anyway."

Dutchman Nick de Vries, 27, who has never raced in F1, is Mercedes’ reserve driver here. The teams received a scrutineering message from the FIA on Wednesday afternoon, stating: "The wearing of jewellery in the form of body piercing or metal neck chains is prohibited during the competition and may therefore be checked before the start."

Explaining the ruling, the FIA continued: "Metallic objects, such as jewellery, in contact with the skin can reduce heat transmission protection and thus may increase the risk of burn injuries in the event of a fire.

"The wearing of jewellery during the competition can hinder both medical interventions as well as subsequent diagnosis and treatment should it be required following an accident.

"The presence of jewellery can slow the emergency removal of driver safety equipment such as helmet, balaclava, and overalls.

"Jewellery in and/or around the airway can pose specific additional risks should it become