FIA issues Hadjar warning after Mexico City paddock shoving incident

Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar received a formal FIA warning after shoving a fan in the Mexico City paddock before FP1. Video showed him pushing aside a guest as he tried to reach the team garage, leading to a stewards summons on Saturday.

Why it matters:

The case highlights growing tension around paddock access and driver safety. Officials accepted Hadjar’s action breached Article 12.2.1(l) of the International Sporting Code, but ruled a warning was sufficient.

The details:

• Hadjar was already running late for practice after stopping for a photo with a young fan when another guest approached him aggressively.
• The stewards found he first held the guest at bay with a hand on his waist, then pushed him aside with his open right hand.
• Five mitigating factors were cited, including the unwanted approach, invasion of personal space and inadequate security. One security staffer behind Hadjar could not intervene.
• Max Verstappen has previously described the F1 paddock as a “zoo” because of the volume of guests and VIPs.

What's next:

Hadjar’s on-track start was disrupted by power-unit problems in FP1, where he managed 21 laps and finished 11th. He recovered to sixth in FP2 and eighth in FP3 ahead of qualifying.