Sebastian Vettel took aim at the new underwear regulations in Formula 1 and protested against the tightening of the rules.
During the first free practice session in Miami, the Aston Martin driver wore gray underpants over his green racing overalls. Schick is different, but apparently Vettel’s socket command from the FIA is on the … well.
The rulers of Formula 1 had previously tightened their policy against wearing jewelry and private underwear in the cockpit. From the race in Miami onwards, the teams must also confirm in official documents that their pilots are complying with the regulations.
Underwear samples in Formula 1
The German race director Niels Wittich informed the racing teams about the new measure before the Grand Prix in Florida and announced spot checks.
Commercially available underpants will be taboo for drivers in the future, only fireproof underwear that meets FIA norms is allowed. It’s about security. Vettel apparently thinks the whole thing is exaggerated.
Jewelry is also forbidden for the pilots with immediate effect, which in turn makes bling-bling fan Lewis Hamilton angry.
Increased risk in a fire?
The reason given by the world association FIA is that rings, chains or piercings could pose unnecessary obstacles for first responders and doctors in emergencies.
In addition, jewelry on the skin as a heat conductor can reduce the protective effect of overlying fireproof clothing.
“This increases the risk of burns in a fire,” it says. Last but not least, the jewelry itself carries the risk of injury and could be swallowed in accidents.