Isack Hadjar summoned by stewards over paddock altercation at Mexico GP
Isack Hadjar has been summoned to FIA stewards for alleged misconduct at the Mexico GP after shoving a fan.
- Hadjar's incident involved pushing away a fan trying to take a selfie in the paddock.
- The summons to the stewards indicates potential disciplinary action for the Red Bull driver.
- This incident adds to the scrutiny of driver behavior in the paddock, especially regarding fan interactions.
Isack Hadjar, a Red Bull driver, has been called before the FIA stewards due to an alleged misconduct incident during the Mexican Grand Prix. The specific allegation involves Hadjar shoving a fan who was attempting to take a selfie in the paddock area. This summons highlights ongoing concerns about driver conduct and their interactions with fans, which could lead to disciplinary measures depending on the stewards' findings.
Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar has been called before the FIA stewards at the Mexican Grand Prix to answer allegations of misconduct in the paddock. The summons, issued on Friday, cites a breach of Article 12.2.1.l of the FIA International Sporting Code, which covers “misconduct” including offensive or abusive gestures and physical altercations. Hadjar is scheduled to meet the stewards at 10:15am local time on Saturday, ahead of final practice.
The incident occurred between the two Friday practice sessions at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, where Hadjar was approached by a fan seeking a selfie. Video footage circulating on social media shows Hadjar initially refusing the request, but when the fan persisted, the French driver pushed him away twice. Motorsport.com reports that the altercation followed a frustrating FP1 session for Hadjar, who finished 11th and struggled with power unit issues that limited him to just 21 laps. He improved to sixth in FP2, but the paddock confrontation has overshadowed his on-track progress.
The FIA’s Article 12.2.1.l defines misconduct broadly, encompassing offensive language, gestures, and physical acts such as hitting or pushing. Penalties for violations range from fines of €5,000 to €20,000 for more serious cases. Motorsport Week notes that the growing popularity of Formula 1 has increased fan and VIP presence in the paddock, sometimes leading to intrusive encounters. Hadjar’s Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen recently described the paddock atmosphere as “like a zoo,” highlighting the difficulty drivers face in finding privacy amid constant attention.
Hadjar’s summons comes as the stewards seek clarity on the exact nature of the incident and whether it constitutes a breach warranting sanction. RaceFans outlines that the stewards’ investigation will consider whether Hadjar’s actions were justified or crossed the line into unacceptable behavior. The driver’s response and the stewards’ decision will be closely watched, given the potential impact on his reputation and standing within the paddock.
The Mexican Grand Prix weekend continues with Hadjar’s hearing imminent. The outcome will determine if he faces a fine or other disciplinary measures. Meanwhile, on-track competition remains intense as teams and drivers battle for championship points in the closing stages of the season.
Further reading
The strongest sourcing here is RaceFans, Motorsport Week and Motorsport.com, a first-tier outlet - the tier that generally does its own reporting.
4 independent outlets are carrying this: RacingNews365, RaceFans, Motorsport Week, Motorsport.com.
