Hadjar escapes with warning for pushing Mexico F1 paddock guest

Isack Hadjar has been given a formal warning for pushing a guest in the paddock ahead of the first Formula 1 practice session at the Mexican Grand Prix.

Footage circulated on social media on Friday that appeared to show Hadjar pushing someone who had tried to take a selfie with him.

The Red Bull driver was subsequently called to see the F1 stewards on Saturday morning for what the summons document described as 'alleged misconduct'.

Hadjar stated in his appearance in front of the stewards that he was running late for FP1 and, having stopped for a photograph with a young fan, was "approached by a paddock guest in an aggressive manner".

The stewards' document detailing that account also said "one security person was walking behind him [Hadjar] and was unable to
intervene and prevent what was tantamount to an invasion of the driver's private space".

Having initially resisted that move, Hadjar subsequently "pushed him aside with his open right hand" - a breach of article 12.2.1.l of the FIA international sporting code relating to misconduct.

However, in awarding only a warning the stewards acknowledge five mitigating circumstances in Hadjar's favour, in line with the guidelines in appendix B of the ISC.

These were that Hadjar was "reacting to an uninvited and rather aggressive action by another person"; that he was trying to make his way to the Red Bull garage for FP1 through a congested area; that he did not have "sufficient" security present; that the guest invaded his personal space without consent; and the "general issue" drivers have moving through the paddock.