F1 stewards clear Hamilton in jewelry clash; Mercedes fined

By JEROME PUGMIRE
AP Auto Racing Writer

Lewis Hamilton was “not trying to make a statement” by wearing a nose stud at the Singapore Grand Prix and the seven-time Formula One champion got his wish for leniency granted when stewards cleared him for putting it in again. No action was taken against Hamilton but his Mercedes team was fined 25,000 euros ($24,500) for not declaring on team forms that he was wearing it. Hamilton said he explained to stewards before qualifying started Saturday that he needs to keep the stud in due to complications linked to a blood blister on his nose. Hamilton’s summons related to a nose stud which he had previously removed when the FIA’s jewelry ban was applied. Hamilton finished third in qualifying at Singapore.