FIA slammed as ‘childish’ in Lewis Hamilton row by ex-F1 driver

The FIA have have been branded ‘childish’ by former driver Romain Grosjean over their stand-off with Lewis Hamilton in regard to the jewellery ban. The seven-time world champion has been embroiled in the saga since FIA boss Mohammed ben Sulayem began to clamp down on drivers sporting jewellery behind the wheel.Seemingly left bemused by the decision, the seven-time world champion criticised the ruling – even turning up to media appearances in more accessories than normal to make his point. Hamilton claimed he was unable to remove a nose stud on a medical exemption mid-campaign.But prior to the British Grand Prix, the Englishman was issued an ultimatum by the governing body, and eventually backed down. This is not the only time the FIA have been involved in a stand-off with drivers, with the federation seemingly never far from controversy each race week.And ex-Lotus, Renault and Haas man Grosjean believes the ‘childish’ off-track disputes could well turn fans off. Speaking to Sky Sports’ Any Driven Monday programme, he said: ‘Off-track some of the things that that were talked [about] this year were, I don’t know, a little bit childish – it just feels like it’s not really necessary.”JUST IN: Toto Wolff sheds new light on Lewis Hamilton talks as multi-year Mercedes deal beckons Lewis Hamilton was involved in a dispute surrounding his jewellery (Image: GETTY)Referencing Hamilton’s jewellery-gate, he went on: ‘Formula 1 is booming, and the racing is great and fans’ attendance is amazing. I just felt like some of the jewellery rules, you know… I wouldn’t feel comfortable driving without my wedding ring just because that’s part of me and I love it. So that wasn’t great.’One of the FIA’s latest controversial disputes came with Fernando Alonso at the United States Grand Prix. The Spaniard finished in seventh in Austin but had his placing wiped away from him after a protest from Haas, only to have it reinstated days later.DON’T MISSRed Bull boss Horner announces when his team will speak to Sky SportsMax Verstappen reacts after breaking new record with Mexican GP winMax Verstappen and Red Bull’s boycott of Sky Sports F1 explained Romain Grosjean slammed the FIA (Image: GETTY)