Isack Hadjar Summoned by FIA Stewards Over Paddock Incident
Isack Hadjar has been called to appear before the FIA stewards regarding an alleged incident of misconduct in the paddock at the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix.
Hadjar came under scrutiny from the stewards on Friday when he was summoned to address the alleged misconduct that occurred within the paddock area.
He is accused of violating Article 12.2.1.l of the FIA International Sporting Code, a regulation that encompasses “any misconduct”, which includes “the general use of language (written or verbal), gesture and/or sign that is offensive, insulting, coarse, rude or abusive”.
While the summons does not specify the exact details of the event, video footage circulating on social media depicts the Frenchman in a confrontation with a VIP as he moved through the paddock.
The recording captures a fan trying to take a photo with Hadjar as he walked through the paddock wearing his EarPods. Hadjar signaled his unwillingness to participate, but the fan persisted in his request, leading Hadjar to push him aside.
Infractions of Article 12.2.1.l carry penalties of fines amounting to €5,000, which can increase to €20,000 for more severe violations.
Isack Hadjar is scheduled to appear before the stewards on Saturday morning.
F1 paddock “like a zoo”
The increasing popularity of F1 has led to an influx of both fans and VIPs in the paddock in recent years, a trend highlighted by Hadjar’s teammate Max Verstappen regarding the extent of guest intrusion.
“It’s like a zoo. It is often no longer possible to have a chat with someone. That’s not really possible anymore. So I mainly live from my room to the garage and the pit lane,”he said to De Telegraaf in Singapore.
“Even in our own hospitality rooms, there are many guests who want something from you. Of course they mean well, but I also need to be able to rest without being bothered all the time.
“I know it’s part of it. And that, the more you perform and the more you’ve achieved, the more people want you to be. In that respect, it is also a good thing.”
Hadjar will meet with the stewards at 10:15am local time on Saturday to understand the reasons behind the summons and await the final decision.
