FIA investigates Isack Hadjar for potential misconduct in paddock
Isack Hadjar must report to stewards following an incident where he allegedly shoved a fan attempting to take a selfie. The investigation into the Red Bull driver cites a potential breach of the FIA International Sporting Code regarding acts causing moral injury or loss.
The FIA investigation into Hadjar
The FIA investigation into the Red Bull driver is a direct response to an incident on Friday in the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez paddock. Isack Hadjar must report to the stewards’ office on Saturday at 10:15 local time, shortly before final practice begins. The summons cites a potential breach of Article 12.2.1.l of the FIA International Sporting Code, which covers acts, words or writings causing moral injury or loss to the FIA, its officials or the interests of motorsport. During Friday’s first practice session, Hadjar finished 11th and remained 1.417s behind Ferrari pacesetter Charles Leclerc. His performance suffered because power unit problems limited him to 21 laps, which was the third-lowest total ahead of Jak Crawford of Aston Martin and Freddie Slater of Audi. Hadjar improved in the second session, finishing sixth and 0.410s behind Leclerc, while teammate Max Verstappen claimed fifth.
Unprofessional paddock behavior
The driver’s behavior was unprofessional, as footage shows him shove a fan who attempted to take a selfie. Social media footage shows the incident that occurred as Hadjar walked toward the Red Bull garage. A fan attempted to take a picture with the driver after the first practice session. The fan put his hand on the back of Hadjar, and the Frenchman appeared to say something to the man. Hadjar then shoved the person away twice. This occurred especially after Hadjar had successfully taken a selfie with another fan just seconds earlier. The stewards’ notice does not specify the exact nature of the incident, but the timing matches the widely circulated video. The video shows the fan as he approached the Red Bull driver while he walked past toward his garage. It remains unclear whether this specific clip is formally what triggered the hearing. The incident happened in the paddock between the two Friday practice sessions.
Strict penalty possibilities
The penalties for misconduct are strict, ranging from warnings and reprimands to fines and sporting sanctions. The FIA defines misconduct under various categories in the International Sporting Code. One category involves the general use of language, gestures or signs that are offensive, insulting, coarse, rude or abusive and might reasonably be expected or be perceived to be coarse or rude or to cause offense, humiliation or to be inappropriate. Other definitions include "assaulting (elbowing, kicking, punching, hitting, etc…)" and any incitement to perform such acts.
| Penalty Category | Possible Consequences |
|---|---|
| Financial | Fine of €5,000 or up to €20,000 |
| Sporting | Grid penalties, time penalties, or a suspension |
| Minor | Warning or reprimand |
The stewards may impose a fine of €5,000 for misconduct, but this amount can increase to €20,000 if the offense is more serious. For very serious offences, more severe penalties under the International Sporting Code may be imposed. Beyond financial penalties, the stewards have the authority to issue a simple warning or reprimand. They can also impose sporting sanctions such as grid penalties, time penalties, or a suspension.
