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F1 star Lewis Hamilton picked up a win before the 2023 season even started.
Ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix — which is the first race of the Formula One World Championship — Hamilton was granted a medical exemption from F1’s governing body, FIA. The medical exemption will allow Hamilton to… wear his nose ring.
Last year, F1 cracked down on jewelry which prevented drivers from wearing their jewelry during races. Violations of the rule would be punished by fines and eventual suspensions. However, Hamilton claims he was experiencing blood blisters from taking his nose piercing out for every race and had concerns of disfigurement.
After the Team Mercedes team doctor asked for the medical exemption, it was granted.
“The Stewards consulted the FIA Medical Delegate, who viewed the medical report, examined the driver and concurred with the opinion therein,” FIA said in its statement, via Motorsport.com. “We have determined to take no further action as there are concerns about disfigurement with frequent attempts at removal of the device.”
The 7-time Formula One champion protested the jewelry crackdown last year ahead of the Miami Grand Prix by wearing three watches, 8 rings, earrings, his nose ring, and four necklaces during a media obligation for the Miami Grand Prix last year.
But now that he has his medical exemption, he can focus on the season ahead.
The 2023 Formula One World Championship kicks off this weekend with the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain. The race is scheduled for 57 laps around the 3.363-mile track on Sunday, March 5, 2023.