F1 driver jewellery, underwear checks added to Miami GP scrutineering

Ahead of this weekend’s inaugural Miami Grand Prix, F1 race director Niels Wittich issued an update informing all 10 teams that additional checks relating to underwear and the wearing of jewellery would be included as part of the pre-event scrutineering declaration form. 

Wittich reminded the drivers about an existing ban on wearing jewellery during on-track sessions ahead of last month’s Australian Grand Prix. At the same race, he also held a lengthy meeting with the drivers to inform them that they must no longer use non-fire retardant underwear under their suits. 

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Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton vowed to continue wearing jewellery during races, insisting that the piercings on his right ear are “welded on” and therefore cannot be removed. 

Hamilton also questioned the underwear clampdown, asking: “Are we really talking about that sort of thing?”

Meanwhile, AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly cheekily told the FIA that it can check his private parts if F1’s governing body is so desperate to enforce the rule. 

"If they want to check my arse, feel free, I've got nothing to hide,” he said. “My cock, everything. If that makes them happy, feel free."

After an apparent grace period, Wittich outlined that drivers must now comply with the regulations in his event notes for the first-ever F1 race in Miami. 

He explained how the wearing of jewellery underneath the required flameproof clothing can “reduce the protection afforded by this equipment”. 

“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,” he continued. 

“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, due to the risk of “snagging”, the emergency removal of driver safety equipment such as helmet, balaclava, and overalls. 

“In the case that medical imaging is required to inform diagnosis following an accident the presence of jewellery on the body can cause significant complication and delay. In the worst case the presence of jewellery during imaging may cause further injury. 

“Jewellery in and/or around the airway can pose specific additional risks should it become dislodged during an accident and either ingested or inhaled.” 

On the compliant underwear regulation, Wittich said: “The above noted regulation is written to ensure that the FIA-approved Flame-resistant clothing, including both the outer layer overalls and inner layer in contact with the skin can operate effectively and provide the designed level of protection if exposed to flames.

“The use of non-flameproof materials in contact with the driver’s skin, and in particular synthetic materials, can reduce heat transmission protection and thus increase the risk of burn injuries in the event of a fire. In the worst case such materials may melt which can hinder treatment in the event of a burn injury."