Isack Hadjar has a blunt message for F1's paddock tourists after fan altercation

Red Bull F1 star Isack Hadjar has come out fighting as he breaks his silence following that high-profile altercation with a fan at the Mexican Grand Prix.

Hadjar was handed a formal warning by the stewards on Saturday following Friday's incident when he pushed a fan aside and refused to take a selfie with him.

The incident had occurred on Friday in the busy paddock at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez as Hadjar was making his way to the Red Bull garage ahead of the opening session. Footage circulating on social media showed a guest attempting to take a photo with the French star without permission.

According to the stewards’ report, the driver first placed his hand on the visitor’s waist to keep him at bay, followed by a push with his open right hand.

The incident brings into full focus just what the F1 paddock is like in 2026, with Hadjar's Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen recently describing it as 'a zoo'.

Former Red Bull mechanic Calum Nicholas echoed those sentiments when he defended Hadjar, saying: "It's not a petting zoo".

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Hadjar sets paddock boundaries - 'not a reality show'

After qualifying on Saturday, the 22-year-old Hadjar explained his actions as he told media: "There’s a limit to it, also when you're that age. When you're a kid, I'm going to take a picture.

"When I don't want to take a picture because you're a grown man, don't invade my space, because I'm going to work; it's not a reality show. I'm actually going to work in the garage.”

The race officials summoned Hadjar following the incident, regarding a potential breach of conduct under article 12.2.1.l of the International Sporting Code.

They decided on a formal warning after taking into account five mitigating factors:

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

Security shortcomings in Mexico City

The report also noted that just one security guard was trailing Hadjar at the time, and thus was unable to intervene when the fan got too close.

The stewards highlighted the challenging environment drivers face in Mexico City’s paddock, adding: “The driver was navigating a congested area to reach the start of FP1, had insufficient security presence, the guest intruded without permission, and the wider issue of drivers struggling to move through the paddock,” the stewards concluded.

Hadjar siad he welcomed the stewards' verdict, relieved that the situation had been assessed from the driver’s perspective.

“I agree with them; it makes sense. I’m glad they made the right call. I spoke with the stewards, and they understood my point of view.

"So yes, fair play."

Se enojó Hadjar #f1 . @F1 https://t.co/nnRyyHntiV

— 1F #MexicoGP (@1FMasters) October 30, 2026

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