The FIA fined Mercedes for inaccurate form filling, while let off Lewis Hamilton from any offence in F1 Singapore GP.
The topic of jewellery was back in F1 Singapore GP after the FIA summoned Mercedes’ Hamilton regarding his nose piercing which he had since the start of the season. Once the rule was thoroughly implemented, he took it off especially when in the car.
But due to infection in his nose due to the piercing, the doctors advised Hamilton to wear it all-through for the time being. When asked to explain by the FIA stewards, he showed the doctors note and cleared himself from any offence which they accepted once they checked it with Dr. Ian Roberts.
“The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 44 (Lewis Hamilton), the team representative and have reviewed video and audio evidence,” said the FIA note. “Broadcast footage showed HAM wearing an item of jewellery in the form of a body piercing (nose stud) during the session. HAM admitted this fact but explained that he had been advised by his doctors not to remove it for the time being.
“In response to a request by the Stewards, the team produced reports from a medical practitioner which confirmed HAM’s explanation. The Stewards then consulted the FIA Deputy Medical Delegate, Dr Ian Roberts, who viewed the medical report and concurred with the opinion therein. In light of the extenuating circumstances, we have determined to take no further action.”
While Hamilton was let off, Mercedes found themselves into a problem after its team manager wrongly filled up the driver scrutineering form where they mentioned that Hamilton was not wearing any jewellery on his body during the F1 Singapore GP weekend.
The team agreed of their mistake where they stated that they weren’t aware about the doctor’s advise for Hamilton to keep it on due to infection. As a result of this, the FIA imposed a heavy fine of 25,000 euros on Mercedes since they did not enquire from the driver before filling and submitting the form.
“As required by Article 31.1 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations, prior to P1 the team submitted a self-scrutiny form for Car 44 by which they declared that the driver complied with the requirement not to wear jewellery in the form of body piercing,” said the FIA note. “That declaration was incorrect in the case of HAM who had a nose piercing which he had not removed.
“The Team Manager explained that the team was unaware that HAM had a piercing. In recent events HAM had removed the piercing prior to the competition. The team assumed, without enquiring of HAM, that he had followed or would follow the same procedure for this event.
“The Stewards accept that the error in the declaration in this case was not intentional or deliberate but it would not have occurred had the team made an enquiry of HAM before completing and submitting the declaration. Given these circumstances, we fine the team € 25,000.