FIA take action over Isack Hadjar after Red Bull driver shoved fan in Mexico GP paddock

The FIA has concluded its investigation into Isack Hadjar after the Red Bull driver was seen getting into a physical altercation with a fan in the F1 paddock at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The driver was at risk of a fine or worse in the circumstances, with the governing body now reaching a decision.

It comes in the middle of a difficult period for Hadjar, who has shown pace on-track but now the results to go with it.

F1 governing body concludes investigation into Isack Hadjar

Prior to a frustrating first practice session in which mechanical and power unit issues restricted him to just 21 laps at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Hadjar was urgently attempting to get to his garage to start the session.

As he made his way through the melee of fans and staff in the paddock, one of the former approached to get a selfie with Hadjar.

The Frenchman, known for his frequent hotheaded outbursts on team radio, put an arm out to keep the person at bay, clearly in no mood for a picture.

When the fan ignored him and moved closer, Hadjar then angrily shoved him away.

Altercations of this kind between drivers and fans aren’t common, setting an unusual precedent in terms of what kind of action the FIA stewards might take.

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However the stewards, who include at this weekend former F1 driver and Le Mans winner Derek Warwick, have decided to give the Red Bull man a "formal warning".

FIA explain Isack Hadjar decision

“The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 6 (Isack Hadjar) and the team representative and reviewed video evidence,” an FIA document stated.

“The driver stated that he was running late for FP1 and had stopped to have a photograph with a young fan, when he was approached by a Paddock guest in an aggressive manner.

“One security person was walking behind him and was unable to intervene and prevent what was tantamount to an invasion of the driver’s private space.

“The driver initially resisted the move by placing his hand on the waist of the guest, holding him at bay, then the driver pushed him aside with his open right hand.

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“This latter action by the driver is regarded as a breach of the regulations however in mitigation of penalty the stewards considered the following matters (in accordance with the guidelines provided in Appendix B of the FIA International Sporting Code):

“a) The driver was reacting to an uninvited and rather aggressive action by another person

“b) The driver was endeavouring to make his way to the start of FP1 through a congested area

“c) The driver did not have sufficient security present

“d) The guest was invading his personal space without his consent.

“e) The general issue drivers have experienced moving through the Paddock

“Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 5 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.

“Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented.”