Lewis Hamilton's plan to wear a helmet livery paying tribute to sponsor Petronas has been scuppered.

The world champion had intended wearing a special version of his regular helmet, mainly featuring the famous blue of his team's title sponsor Petronas for its home race.

However, taking to Twitter, the Briton revealed that the move had been blocked by officials at Sepang.

"I had a special helmet made to celebrate Petronas and Malaysia," he wrote. "Due to the FIA's new rule, I can't wear it."

Last month it was announced that drivers were no longer allowed to make significant changes to their helmet designs, that they must be "in substantially the same livery at every event during a championship season", a move that brought a mixed reaction from fans and drivers.

Whilst some drivers have stuck with a basic design throughout their F1 careers, others have changed their livery from season to season indeed, the worst culprit has been Sebastian Vettel who would wear a different livery at every race.

"I am a fan of consistency, but seriously what's next?" asked Alex Wurz, chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association. "Rules on haircuts?"