FIA Issues Formal Warning to Isack Hadjar After US GP Retaliation

The FIA stewards have issued a formal warning to Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar following an investigation into "erratic" and "retaliatory" driving during the United States Grand Prix practice sessions. The incident, which occurred at the Circuit of The Americas, highlighted a momentary lapse in discipline from the young Frenchman during a high-tension weekend.

Why it matters:

The stewards' decision sends a clear signal that retaliatory maneuvers on track will not be tolerated, regardless of who initiated the frustration. For Hadjar, who is establishing himself within the Red Bull powerhouse in this 2026 season, maintaining professional composure is as critical as his raw pace, especially as the team fights to keep pace with a surging Mercedes.

The Details:

• The Incident: During the final hour of practice, Hadjar locked up his front left tire into Turn 1. Despite Alex Albon being well off the racing line to avoid impeding, Hadjar reacted aggressively, swerving toward the Williams driver on the corner exit.
• The Verdict: Stewards reviewed video evidence and heard from both drivers. They officially labeled the action as "retaliatory" and "erratic," noting that had the maneuver caused a collision, a far more severe penalty would have been imposed.
• Qualifying Recovery: After a struggling practice where he described his weekend as a "disaster" due to setup issues, Hadjar found his rhythm in qualifying to secure P3 on the grid.
• Grid Context: The front row features Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli on pole—who is currently fighting for his first world championship—with Max Verstappen starting P2.

What's next:

Hadjar enters Sunday’s race with a strong starting position and the tactical advantage of having Max Verstappen right ahead of him. While the formal warning serves as a cautionary tale, the focus now shifts to whether the RB22 has the race pace to challenge Antonelli's dominant Mercedes for the victory.