Athletes are typically superstitious, but one Formula One driver was forced to give up his lone good luck charm for safety reasons.
Earlier this season, Niels Wittich, the new race director for Formula One, said that the FIA, the sport’s governing body, will begin enforcing stricter regulations regarding the attire of drivers in their cars.
Some speculated that the FIA singled out Lewis Hamilton for wearing jewelry. This resulted in a confrontation between the two parties, from which Hamilton ultimately retreated. However, the crackdown that affected more drivers was prompted by a fresh worry about drivers wearing non-fireproof undergarments.
According to the driver for Williams Racing, Nicholas Latifi, this put a stop to his sole superstition.
Before the United States Grand Prix, when asked if he had any superstitions, Latifi responded, “I used to always wear the same pair of boxer shorts.” “However, we no longer have permission to do so… Henceforth, I must constantly wear the same pair of fireproof underpants.”
Latifi’s lucky panties were not ordinary underwear. Latifi discussed the significance of red boxers prior to the 2021 Portuguese Grand Prix.
Latifi explained, “[My aunt] has a tradition in which one of the Christmas gifts she buys for her nephews is a pair of red boxers.” “Always the Calvin Klein boxers, and we should all wear them on New Year’s Day for good luck. Consequently, I have amassed a huge number of red boxers throughout the years, and I used to wear one of them on race day.”
Latifi stated in 2021 that he was no longer wearing them in every race, stating, “in some races I was achieving poor results… this is likely not helpful.” However, his recent statements suggest that they were once again a part of his race-day attire this season before the FIA became more stringent.
As for other motorists, some may now choose not to wear underpants. Oscar Piastri, Alpine’s backup driver, mentioned this in an interview with Sky Sports (via ESPN) after the drivers met with the FIA to discuss the enforcement.
Next year, Piastri will drive for McLaren. “It was a lengthy deliberation,” he remarked. “A few individuals have modified some of their underwear policies. It is a difficult issue because if you don’t wear your own underwear, you are commando.”
Sebastian Vettel, who drives for Aston Martin, protested the restriction by wearing underpants outside of his firesuit prior to the Miami Grand Prix in a humorous manner.
—Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1)
May 6, 2022
At the time, Pierre Gasly, driver for AlphaTauri, challenged the FIA to inspect his underpants prior to races.
Before the Australian Grand Prix, Gasly said, “If they want to inspect my crotch, feel free, I have nothing to hide.” If it makes them happy for them to check it every single weekend, they are welcome to do so.
Uncertain whether the FIA accepted the challenge.