Isack Hadjar learns stewards' verdict after paddock altercation with fan

Isack Hadjar has avoided a sanction/been following an altercation with a fan on Friday in Mexico.

A video circulating on social media on Friday evening showed Hadjar being approached by a fan who sought to take a photo with the Frenchman.

Hadjar appeared disinterested in doing so and extended his arm to keep the fan at bay as he journeyed towards the Red Bull garage.

However, the video then showed Hadjar appearing to push the fan with his right arm before continuing to walk on.

The altercation caught the attention of the stewards, who summoned Hadjar to a hearing on Saturday afternoon.

Hadjar has been given a formal warning by the stewards.

The stewards felt there were extenuating circumstances at the time as to why Hadjar should not receive a serious punishment. 

A statement read: "The driver stated that he was running late for FP1 and had stopped to have a photograph with a young fan, when he was approached by a paddock guest in an aggressive manner.

"One security person was walking behind him and was unable to intervene and prevent what was tantamount to an invasion of the driver’s private space.

"The driver initially resisted the move by placing his hand on the waist of the guest, holding him at bay, then the driver pushed him aside with his open right hand.

"This latter action by the driver is regarded as a breach of the regulations, however, in mitigation of penalty the stewards considered the following matters (in accordance with the guidelines provided in Appendix B of the FIA International Sporting Code):

"a) The driver was reacting to an uninvited and rather aggressive action by another person.

"b) The driver was endeavouring to make his way to the start of FP1 through a congested area.

"c) The driver did not have sufficient security present.

"d) The guest was invading his personal space without his consent.

"e) The general issue drivers have experienced moving through the paddock."