As F1 landed in the land down under after two years, interesting events followed one after another. From Lando Norris turning his username upside down to Daniel Ricciardo attending off-track events, the list is endless. Amidst them are Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, going up against each other.

No, not on track this time. The duo poked at each other for fun off the track. Apparently, the race director earlier instructed the driver not to have any piece of jewelry on their bodies for safety concerns. Although this has been in the rule book since 2005, the authority has decided to implement them once again.

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In an interview with Autosport journalist Luke Smith, Lewis and Max shared these conversations. When asked about the instruction on the body piercing, Lewis stated, “Well I’ve got certain piercings that I really can’t take out that not many people know of. No, I’m kidding, I’m kidding. OK. I mean it’s been the rule forever. Since I’ve been here, it’s been the rule. So, there’s nothing new. I’m just going to come up with more jewelry next week.”

When Luke asked the same question to Max, he responded, “Me? I’ll be too heavy if I wear jewelry. So it’s not possible.” Hamilton hit back at it with “I know you’ve a nipple-piercing man, come on.” To this, the defending F1 champion answered back Lewis with, “You want to see it again?”

READ MORE: F1 Fans Bash the FIA as Lewis Hamilton Is Now Forbidden From Donning His Jewelry

The fans showed displeasure when the new command to implement the rule surfaced days back. Many Hamilton fans thought it was made against Lewis. However, soon it was discovered that the rule has been in the sport since 2005.

How is the Max Verstappen-Lewis Hamilton rivalry on track?

Last year’s fierce rivalry between the Red Bull and Mercedes drivers is a mere shadow now. While the Silver Arrows driver continues to struggle with his car, Max found Charles Leclerc as his new potential threat to the championship.

As Hamilton approaches the 2022 season to claim his much-coveted eighth world championship, Verstappen is out there to defend his maiden F1 title. As of now, the Red Bull star leads over the Silver Arrows maestro by 9 points after two races. It’ll be interesting to see if the two of the best drivers lock horns again in 2022.