Lewis Hamilton risks FIA penalty as Mercedes star blankly refuses to take out nose stud

Lewis Hamilton is risking the wrath of the FIA by refusing to remove his nose stud despite a two-race notice to have it taken out. It is the latest twist in a petty jewellery saga that has rumbled on in the background of the Formula One season.

New FIA race director Niels Wittich has taken a stricter stance on jewellery than predecessor Michael Masi. "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," FIA rules state.

Hamilton has several piercings and compromised on a few of them. The Mercedes star was given a two-race notice on taking out some studs that are difficult to remove. He previously joked that he would need to chop off his right ear to remove an accessory that is welded into his skin.

But the 37-year-old has now appeared to go back on that promise. Hamilton has said he will not be removing the piercing and will seek exemptions for the remainder of the season.

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He told journalists: "No, [I am not going to do it]. I got an exemption here and I will get exemptions for the rest of the year. Wedding rings are allowed. I will wear four watches next time."

The FIA insists that jewellery rules are strict to ensure the safety of drivers. However, Hamilton does not seem convinced and even earlier this week threatened to skip the Miami GP over the quarrel.

He added: "This whole safety thing. When they told me about the jewellery, they said safety is everything. And I said, 'Well, what's happened for the last 16 years? I've had jewellery on for 16 years, so was safety not an issue back then?'"

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