FIA grants Hamilton medical exemption to wear nose studs
Lewis Hamilton has been granted a waiver by FIA stewards to continue wearing jewelry while driving during the Formula 1 Bahrain GP.
The topic of jewellery, and specifically Hamilton’s nose stud, became a hot topic in the 2022 season under new race directors Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas.
It is covered by Appendix L, Chapter III, Article 5 of the FIA International Sporting Code which states: “The wearing of jewelry in the form of piercings or metal necklaces is prohibited during competition and may therefore be checked before the start.” .
Hamilton was granted an exemption early in the season and in May the FIA made jewelry part of the technical acceptance form submitted by the teams.
Wittich noted that wearing jewelry “can hinder medical procedures,” adding that “in the event that medical imaging is required for diagnosis after an accident, the presence of jewelry on the body will result in significant complications and delays can”.
“In the worst case, the presence of jewelry during imaging can lead to further injury,” he wrote.
“Jewelry in and/or around the respiratory tract may pose specific additional risks if it becomes detached during an accident and is either swallowed or inhaled.”
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-AMG, talks to Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Matters came to a head at the Singapore GP where Hamilton was called to the stewards.
On this occasion, Hamilton was again granted an exemption, but his Mercedes team was €25,000 too much when they submitted an inaccurate self-assessment form regarding the issue.
To prevent further problems ahead of the new season, the team submitted a medical letter explaining why removing the stud is impractical.
Hamilton, who appeared with just one nose stud in the 2022 season finale, has added a second nostril to his right.
The stewards have summoned sporting director Ron Meadows for further clarification on the situation and in their subsequent decision said no further action would be taken.
The FIA stated: “The stewards have heard from a team representative and received a medical report from the Mercedes team doctor who requested an exemption.
“The Stewards consulted the FIA Medical Delegate, who saw the medical report, examined the driver and endorsed the opinion expressed therein.
“We have decided not to take any further action due to concerns of disfigurement from frequent attempts to remove the device.”