FIA moves to address Isack Hadjar’s behavior after Red Bull driver pushed a fan in the Mexico GP paddock
The FIA has finished looking into the incident involving Isack Hadjar after the Red Bull driver was seen getting into a brief scuffle with a fan in the F1 paddock during the Mexico City Grand Prix. Hadjar faced the possibility of a fine or worse, but the governing body has now made its decision.
This comes during a tough time for Hadjar, who has been quick on the track but hasn’t yet seen the results he wants. Before a frustrating first practice session, where mechanical and engine problems limited him to just 21 laps at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Hadjar was rushing to get to his garage and start the session.
While moving through the crowd of fans and staff in the paddock, a fan approached him for a selfie. Hadjar, known for sometimes being hot-tempered on team radio, held out his arm to keep the fan at a distance, clearly not in the mood for a photo. When the fan ignored him and moved closer, Hadjar pushed him away in frustration.
Encounters like this between drivers and fans are rare, which made the FIA stewards’ decision interesting. The stewards, including former F1 driver and Le Mans winner Derek Warwick, decided to give Hadjar a “formal warning.”
According to the FIA report: “The stewards heard from driver Car 6 (Isack Hadjar) and the team, and reviewed video evidence. The driver said he was running late for FP1 and had stopped to take a photo with a young fan when a paddock guest approached him aggressively. Security was nearby but unable to stop the invasion of the driver’s personal space. Hadjar first put his hand on the guest’s waist to keep him back, then pushed him aside with his right hand.”
The stewards said this action was against the rules but took several things into account before deciding on a warning:
– The driver reacted to an uninvited and aggressive approach.
– He was trying to get through a crowded area to start FP1.
– There wasn’t enough security nearby.
– The guest invaded Hadjar’s personal space without permission.
– Drivers often face similar challenges moving through the paddock.
The FIA reminds competitors that they can appeal steward decisions within the rules and deadlines. The stewards’ decisions are made independently, based only on the rules and evidence.