Vettel runs through the paddock in his underpants – for Hamilton

Created: 05/08/2022, 18:26

By: Christoph Klaucke

Jewelry and private underwear will be banned in Formula 1 in the future.

Sebastian Vettel jumps to the side of Lewis Hamilton and presents himself in his underpants.

Miami - "Safety first" - this motto is the top priority for the rulers of Formula 1.

However, many stars like Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes do not want to stick to certain life-saving measures and rebel.

The premier class of motorsport has already caused many bizarre stories.

This time there is a strange argument about wearing jewelry and private underwear.

In solidarity with Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel even strutted through the paddock in his underpants before the Grand Prix in Miami (race here in the live ticker).

Formula 1: Vettel feels patronized and shows solidarity with Hamilton

"It's personal freedom.

We are old enough to make our own decisions.

Then we should also be able to do that in the car,” said Vettel, at 34 one of the oldest drivers in the Formula 1 field, before the premiere race in Miami.

Previously, the German race director Niels Wittich had announced that he would tighten the crackdown on wearing jewelry and non-fireproof underwear in the cockpit.

Hamilton had criticized this as "a step backwards for our sport" and "very, very stupid".

The record world champion usually wears a lot of jewelry on his body.

He couldn't easily take off at least two pieces of jewelry either, said the Briton.

He had therefore already turned to the head of the world association, Mohammed bin Sulayem.

After lengthy discussions, the 37-year-old gave in and removed his earrings.

He received an exceptional permit for his nose piercing until the race in Monaco at the end of May.

Sebastian Vettel campaigns for the rights of drivers in Formula 1.

© Doug Murray/Imago

Formula 1: Strange underwear rule – Vettel runs through the pit lane in boxer shorts

Vettel has no understanding for the new hard line of the Formula 1 rule keeper.

“There is no need to inflate this issue.

That feels like a personal thing aimed at Lewis," said the Aston Martin driver.

And Vettel wouldn't be Vettel if he didn't come up with a special campaign.

As a sign of disobedience, the man from Heppenheim walked through the pit lane on Friday before the opening practice session, wearing gray boxer shorts over his racing suit.

"It was more of a gag.

The whole discussion is so stupid," the Aston Martin driver told Sky TV.

Incidentally, Vettel excludes a specific job after his Formula 1 career.

Race manager Wittich had informed the teams in Miami that in future they would also have to provide official documents that their drivers would not wear jewelry or private underwear in the car.

Wittich also announced spot checks.

"If they stop me, then so be it.

We have a backup driver," Hamilton said defiantly.

Formula 1 bans jewelry and private underwear at races

The world association Fia states that the reason for the measures is that rings, chains or piercings could pose unnecessary obstacles for first responders and doctors in emergencies.

In addition, jewelry on the skin as a heat conductor can reduce the protective effect of overlying fireproof clothing.

"This increases the risk of burns in a fire," it says.

Last but not least, the jewelry itself carries the risk of injury and could be swallowed in the event of an accident.

It is also not permitted to wear commercial underwear, which is allegedly still common practice for some drivers.

Only clothing that meets FIA Formula 1 standards is permitted.

The fines for violating the ban on jewelry and improper clothing in the car are steep.

The first offense will be punished with a fine of 50,000 euros, reported the specialist magazine

.

Repeat offenders would have to pay 125,000 euros.

Shortly before the start of the season, there was a curious change in the rules: the overalls now have to be closed.