PIERCING BLOW
F1 legend Lewis Hamilton faces FIA action at glitzy Monaco Grand Prix unless he backs down amid fierce jewellery row
LEWIS HAMILTON could be hit by FIA sanctions if he wears jewellery at this month's Monaco Grand Prix.
The FIA have clamped down on rules forbidding drivers wearing jewellery this year, including earrings, rings and nose studs.
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Hamilton has defied the rules so far this season and is adamant the FIA is wrong about jewellery being a safety hazard.
The Mercedes star was granted a two-race medical exemption at Miami and Barcelona as some of his piercings cannot easily be taken out.
But by the time the Monaco GP rolls around at the end of the month Hamilton must be bling free - or face the consequences.
If found to be in breach of the rules once again Hamilton could incur a big fine or be given penalty points by the FIA.
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But it seems potential punishment is not enough to change Hamilton's stance with the driver remaining as defiant as ever.
The Brit arrived at his Miami press conference wearing three watches and a ring on every finger, as well as his usual piercings.
Asked if he would abide by the rules banning jewellery he said: "No. 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.
"This whole safety thing, man.
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"When they [the FIA] told me about the jewellery, they said safety is everything.
"And I said, 'Well, what's happened over the last 16 years? I've had jewellery for the last 16 years, so was safety not an issue back then?'"
As reported by The Telegraph, drivers can be fined £42,000 for wearing jewellery and repeat offences could see that number rise to £215,000.
SunSport understands that Mohammed bin Sulayem, the FIA's President, is fixated on cracking down on Hamilton as he flexes his muscles since taking the role in December.
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