Ralf Schumacher explains why he thinks Lewis Hamilton’s jewellery ban was a ‘problem’ for F1 drivers

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Formula 1 will have a new Race Director at the Las Vegas Grand Prix following Niels Wittich’s dismissal.

The German held the post for two years after Michael Masi was replaced in the aftermath of the events in Abu Dhabi 2021. Human error led to various failings in Race Control, effectively handing the title to Max Verstappen.

Wittich assumed the role from Masi, having spent several years as the Race Director in DTM. He quickly became known for his hard stance on enforcing the regulations, one of which involved Lewis Hamilton early in his tenure.

The FIA decided to clamp down on a preexisting rule that prohibited drivers from wearing jewellery on safety grounds. Hamilton felt the move was directed at him, and the seven-time world champion was given a two-race exemption to remove a nose stud.

Ralf Schumacher has explained why he thinks the clampdown was a ‘problem’ for F1 drivers when speaking to Formel1.de, in the aftermath of a Grand Prix Drivers Association letter which was critical of the FIA’s stance.

Ralf Schumacher explains F1 driver stance on jewellery ban

The letter sent by the GPDA, which is a union for all active F1 drivers, posted a statement on their Instagram following recent actions and remarks from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

It referred to drivers not needing to be given instructions about “matters as trivial as the wearing of jewellery and underpants” in what appeared to be directed at Wittich. Schumacher offered some insight into how the drivers felt about the stance.

“I think that the responsibility with the top stars also carry a bit into the junior classes. That’s where the problem lies and that’s when the F4 or F3 driver, or young karter, then sees his idol Lewis Hamilton with piercings and thinks he should have them,” explained Schumacher.

“But of course there are reasons why they shouldn’t have them and also the risk of fire and injury. It think initially it was all about taking the risk yourself, but still this effect on the youngsters in the other motorsport classes I think it more of a problem.”

Who will replace Niels Wittich in Las Vegas?

Replacing an F1 Race Director is no easy task, given how specific the role is and the experience required at different levels of motorsport.

They are responsible for the overall safety of the event and it can be a highly pressurised environment, not least because of how time-intensive decisions can be.

READ MORE: Who is Rui Marques? FIA confirms new F1 race director replacing Niels Wittich

Rui Marques, who was formerly the Race Director for F3 and F2 on race weekends, will take over from Wittich having been part of the FIA since 2012.

Marques is on duty at the Macau Formula Regional World Cup race this weekend and has already been in the thick of it, having issued a total of seven red flags during a rain-affected qualifying session.