Lewis Hamilton hints he has piercing on private parts sparking F1 fan frenzy

Offbeat news from the world of sport

Lewis Hamilton drove F1 fans into a frenzy by hinting he may have a piercing on his gearstick.

The Brit seven-time world champion teased he has a platinum gem in a sensitive zone after backing down on a threat to pull out of the Miami Grand Prix over a jewellery ban.

Lewis had warned race officials he would not take part if they made him remove his earrings and studs on safety grounds. He eventually agreed to whip out all but two. One is a nose stud that can only be taken out mechanically. The other had motor racing fans in a spin.

Hamilton, 37, teased: "I can't remove at least two of them. One, I can't really explain where it is. But what I can say is it's platinum that I have, so it's not magnetic. It's never been a safety issue in the past.’’

The race ace – Britain’s richest ever sports star worth £224m – said he had worn jewellery for 16 years and had so many MRI scans and not had to take out the platinum, for example, because it's not been an issue’.

Bosses of the sport's governing FIA body have banned piercings and neck chains because they claim they lessen protection given by the drivers' flameproof clothing. They say metallic objects can reduce heat transmission protection and increase the risk of burn injuries in the event of a fire’.

Do you think Hamilton can turn this season around? Let us know in the comments section below

And they claim jewellery can hinder both medical interventions as well as subsequent diagnosis and treatment should it be required following an accident’.

Hamilton has been told he can keep his nose stud and another piece of jewellery until the Spanish Grand Prix on May 22. But he could face another probe motor racing moves to Monaco, prompting him to declare: "I'll wear four watches next time.’’

Toto Wolff, the head of Hamilton's Mercedes team, said: "We know that this is important to Lewis. Without going into detail, where the piercings stayed and where they didn't, I am sure it will come to a good resolution.’’

One F1 fan said: "I think we need to give Lew’s piercing the once-over to see if it’s safe.’ – while another said: "I wouldn’t mind weighing it up."

• Lewis Hamilton

Source: Read Full Article