‘Personal Freedom’ – Vettel wears underpants over his racing suit
Sebastian Vettel is known for his strong messaging. The 34-year-old has once again caused a stir in Miami
Source: Reuters
Sebastian Vettel makes a special appearance at the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Miami. The former world champion appears at the pit lane in his underwear over his racing suit. The German is fueling the controversy in the ring.
meIn the debate over a jewelry ban for Formula 1 drivers, Sebastian Vettel sided with Lewis Hamilton. “It’s personal freedom. We are old enough to make our own decisions. Then the 34-year-old said before the race premiere in Miami.”
Previously, German racing director Nils Wittish announced that he would tighten the rules on the wearing of jewelry and non-fireproof underwear in the cockpit.
Hamilton criticized this as a “step back for our sport” and “very, very stupid”. The record world champion usually wears a lot of jewelry on his body. The Briton said he could not easily take off at least two pieces of jewelry. So he has already turned to Mohamed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA. After lengthy discussions, the 37-year-old gave in and took off his earrings. He got special permission to get his nose pierced until the race in Monaco which will take place at the end of May.
Vettel has shown his lack of understanding of the referees’ new hard line. There is no need to exaggerate the issue. “It sounds like a personal thing aimed at Lewis,” said the Aston Martin driver. As a sign of disobedience, Vettel walked through the pit lane on Friday before the opening practice session in gray underwear and in a racing suit.
Vettel becomes a protester
Race director Whitish has told the teams in Miami that in the future they will also have to provide official documentation that their drivers will not wear jewelry or special underwear in the car. Witch also announced surprise inspections. “If they stop me, so be it. We have a spare driver,” Hamilton said.
The FIA states that the reason for these measures is that loops, chains or eyelets can pose unnecessary obstacles to first responders and emergency clinicians. In addition, jewelry on the leather as a conductor of heat can reduce the protective effect of fire-resistant clothing over it. “This increases the risk of getting burns in a fire,” she says. Last but not least, the jewelry itself carries a risk of injury and can be swallowed in the event of an accident.
Sebastian Vettel painted an example of climate protection in Miami
Source: AFP / Chris Graythen
Ordinary underwear, which is said to be common among some drivers, is also not allowed. Only fire-resistant clothing that meets FIA Formula 1 standards is permitted. This applies to underwear.
In addition to his underpants, Vettel made another fashion statement. The German, who has been committed to climate protection for years, wore a T-shirt in Miami with the inscription “Miami 2060. First Grand Prix underwater. Work now or swim later.”
Climate experts face the possibility of the coastal city being inundated by rising sea levels as a result of global warming in the coming decades.
