Vettel about jewelry debate and non-private underwear

In the discussion about the ban on jewelry for the F1 drivers, Sebastian Vettel took part in Lewis Hamilton. "This is personal freedom. We are old enough to make our own decisions. Then we should be able to do this in the car," said the 34-year-old before the premiere race in Miami. Previously, the German race director Niels Wittich had announced that it would tighten the approach to wearing jewelry and non -fire -proof underwear in the cockpit.

• "inflated" topic
• risk of fire in the cockpit

Hamilton had criticized this as "step back for our sport" and "very, very stupid". The record world champion usually wears a lot of jewelry on the body. He could not easily take at least two pieces of jewelry, said the Briton. That is why he had already turned to World Association CEO Mohammed bin Sulayem. After long discussions, the 37-year-old steered and removed his earrings. For his nose piercing, he received an exceptional permit until the race in Monaco at the end of May.

"inflated" topic

Vettel showed a lack of understanding about the new hard line of the rule keepers. "It is unnecessary to inflate this topic. That feels like a personal thing that aims at Lewis," said the Aston Martin pilot. As a sign of the disobedient, Vettel runs through the pit lane with gray boxer shorts pulled over his racing suit on Friday before the opening training session.

Racing manager Wittich had informed the teams in Miami that in the future they will also have to insure in official documents that their pilots do not wear jewelry or private underwear in the car. Wittich also announced random samples. "If you stop me, it is so. We have a replacement driver," said Hamilton.

risk of fire in the cockpit

As a reason for the measures, the World Association FIA states that rings, chains or piercings in emergencies could be unnecessary obstacles for first aiders and doctors. In addition, jewelry on the skin as a heat ladder could reduce the protective effect of fire -proof clothing. "This increases the risk of burns in a fire," it says. Last but not least, the jewelry itself has the risk of injuries and could be swallowed in the event of accidents.

It is also not permitted to wear commercially available underwear, as was supposedly still common with some drivers. Only clothing that corresponds to the FIAL-1 standards of the FIA is allowed.