Isack Hadjar Receives Formal Warning After Pushing Fan at Mexico City Grand Prix

Posted : 01 November 2026

Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar has received a formal warning from Formula 1 stewards following an incident involving a paddock guest at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The French driver was summoned to the stewards on Saturday, October 31, after footage circulated on social media showing him pushing away a man who approached him for a photograph before Friday's opening practice session.

The incident happened as Hadjar made his way towards the Red Bull garage ahead of Free Practice 1 (FP1). He had reportedly stopped to take a photograph with a young fan before another individual approached him.

Video footage showed Hadjar initially attempting to keep the man at a distance before pushing him away with his right hand. A Red Bull security official subsequently appeared to intervene.

During his meeting with the stewards, Hadjar explained that he was running late for practice when the encounter occurred. He also claimed the paddock guest approached him aggressively and invaded his personal space without permission.

In their official decision, the stewards acknowledged that Hadjar's actions breached Article 12.2.1(l) of the FIA International Sporting Code, which covers misconduct.

However, they identified five mitigating circumstances that influenced their decision to issue a formal warning rather than a more severe punishment.

These included the uninvited and aggressive approach, the congested paddock environment, inadequate security around the driver and the guest's invasion of Hadjar's personal space. The stewards also acknowledged that other drivers had experienced similar difficulties moving through the paddock.

The FIA decision stated that one security officer was walking behind Hadjar but could not intervene in time to prevent the encounter.

The warning means Hadjar escaped a financial penalty or sporting sanction over the incident.

Hadjar later defended his actions while speaking to the media after qualifying. He secured seventh place on the starting grid for Sunday's race and said he was pleased that the stewards understood his explanation.

"I'm glad they took the right decision. I was talking to the stewards and they understood my point. So, yeah, fair play," he said.

The 21-year-old also made it clear that he expected spectators to respect his boundaries while he was working.

"When I don't want to take a picture because you're a grown man, don't invade my space, because I'm going to work; it's not a reality show. I'm actually going to work in the garage," Hadjar explained.

He also supported concerns about overcrowding in the Formula 1 paddock. His Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen had previously compared the situation to a zoo because of the growing number of guests and VIPs.

Hadjar agreed with Verstappen's assessment, saying: "Yeah, I agree. It needs to chill a bit."

The incident has renewed discussions about driver privacy and security at Formula 1 events. Drivers regularly encounter large crowds of spectators and invited guests while moving between team garages and other restricted areas.

Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton have reportedly used alternative access routes at the Mexico City circuit to avoid heavily crowded sections of the paddock.

The FIA's decision therefore highlights the importance of maintaining proper security arrangements while ensuring drivers can carry out their professional responsibilities without unwanted physical contact.

Isack Hadjar Receives Formal Warning After Pushing Fan at Mexico City Grand Prix

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