GRAND PRIX ' BLING ' : HAMILTON PREPARES

MIAMI : Lewis Hamilton suggested on Friday he was prepared to defy the International Automobile Federation's [FIA] jewellery clampdown even if it means missing the inaugural Miami Grand Prix.

Formula One has enforced rules on drivers' jewellery, but that relaxed attitude changed with Race Director Niels Wittich's guidelines for the race.

He wrote that driver jewellery and underwear should be checked to ensure they comply with the FIA's  fire proof safety standards.

Hamilton told a pre-race press conference that he was not prepared to shed his bling.

''If they stop me, so be it,'' he said. ''We have spare drivers, so we're ready and prepared for the weekend. There's a lot to do in this city so, I'll be good either way!''

Later on four-time champion Sebastian Vettel said he felt that the actions appeared to be aimed at Hamilton.

''Probably, at this stage, it's more of a personal thing and I feel in a way targeted to Lewis,'' said Vettel.

Hamilton was wearing three watches, a bracelet, earrings, necklaces and a nose stud for the press conference.

''I couldn't get any more jewellery on,'' he joked.

''We have made such great strides as a sport. We are here in Miami and it is such a small thing. I have been in the sport for 16 years. I have been wearing jewellery for 16 years.

''In the car, I only have my earring on and my nose ring, which I can't even remove.''

The 37-year-old seven times world champion said he was prepared to sign a waiver to take responsibility for his own safety and had been trying to make contact with Mohammed Ben Sulayem the new president of FIA.

''It seemed unnecessary for us to get into this spat so I will try to communicate and work with Mohammed. I am here to be an ally of the sport, of Mohammed and F1 and I think we have got bigger fish to fry  -things to do, and impact to have, so that is where the focus should be.''

Jewellery became an issue this year when Wittich included a reminder in his pre-race notes ahead of the Australian Grand prix that it should not be worn.

He has now included jewellery in the scrutineering process for the Miami race.

In his notes, ''Wittch wrote : ''Metallic objects such as jewellery, in contact with the skin can reduce heat transmission protection and this may increase the risk of burn injuries in the event of fire.''

Two drivers were sanctioned at last weekend's Monaco E-Prix in similar incidents, Pascal Wehrlein and Mitch Evans both taking penalty points on their 'super licenses' and receiving fines of 1,000 euros [$1050] each for wearing metal chains during qualifying.

Aston Martin's Vettel suggested the topic was trivial. ''We spoke about underpants as well, but really is that the most exciting thing we can talk about?'' he asked.

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