Lewis Hamilton has been cleared by the FIA following an investigation into a nose piercing he had at the Singapore Grand Prix weekend.
However, his Mercedes team has been fined €25,000 for filing a false self-scrutineering form.
Earlier this year, F1 clamped down on the use of jewellery while driving the car, a rule that Hamilton opposed.
Having been given a number of weeks to make arrangements for his own personnel jewellery use, Hamilton was investigated in Singapore as he wore a nose stud.
However, due to infections that arose when removing that particular piercing, Hamilton was advised by doctors to keep it in.
“Broadcast footage showed Hamilton wearing an item of jewellery in the form of a body piercing (nose stud) during the session,” the stewards’ statement said.
“Hamilton 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 Hamilton’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.”
Mercedes stated in the form on Friday that Hamilton was not wearing jewellery, which was deemed incorrect and resulted in the fine.
“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,” the stewards said.
“That declaration was incorrect in the case of Hamilton who had a nose piercing which he had not removed.
“The Team Manager explained that the team was unaware that Hamilton had a piercing. In recent events Hamilton had removed the piercing prior to the competition.
“The team assumed, without enquiring of Hamilton, 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 Hamilton before completing and submitting the declaration. Given these circumstances, we fine the team €25,000.”
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