Hamilton: My earrings will be staying

Seven-times Formula 1world champion Lewis Hamilton responded defiantly on Sunday after Formula 1 reminded drivers that jewellery cannot be worn during races.

New race director Niels Wittich wrote in pre-race Australian Grand Prix notes that "the wearing of jewellery in the form of body piercing or metal neck chains is prohibited during the competition".

Hamilton, the sport's most successful driver, told reporters after finishing fourth for Mercedes in Melbourne that he would not be shedding his ear piercings and a nose stud.

"I don't have any plans on removing (them)," said the 37-year-old. "I feel there are personal things. You should be able to be who you are," he added.

"There is stuff that I can't move. I literally can't even take these out. These ones on my right ear, they are literally welded in so I have to get them chopped off or something like that.

"So they will be staying," insisted Hamilton who enjoyed a light-hearted moment with rival Max Verstappen during their press conference at Albert Park, the Briton telling the Dutchman: "I know you have a nipple-piercing..."

Hamilton's Mercedes team boss backs his superstar driver, Toto Wolff said of Wittich in an interview with the PA news agency: "How he has run the first few races has been respectful, solid and he hasn't put a single foot wrong."

But, in the wake of the 'jewellery ban' directive issued in Melbourne, Wolff asked: "Is that a battle he needs to have at this stage? However, if it turns out to be the biggest unfortunate misstep of a race director, I would take it a thousand times over."

The ban on wearing jewellery during the race is for safety reasons and is set out in Appendix L of the FIA's International Sporting Code. While not new, it has not been rigorously enforced.

The topic was also raised at a F1 drivers' briefing on Friday along with a discussion about the requirement for flame-resistant underwear.

"I certainly won't be checking our drivers underwear for compliance," joked Red Bull team boss Christian Horner when the subject was raised on Saturday.