F1 supporters quickly come to the defense of Isack Hadjar following the contentious occurrence at the Mexican GP.
Fans of Formula 1 have rallied in support of Isack Hadjar after the Red Bull driver was called before the stewards for purported misconduct during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend. This follows a video that surfaced showing him pushing a fan who was attempting to take a selfie with him.
The footage circulated rapidly on social media on Friday, seemingly depicting Hadjar pushing a fan away as the individual leaned in for a photo. In the clip, the fan tries to wrap his arm around Hadjar as he makes his way through the paddock. The driver initially pushed him back at arm's length before delivering a more forceful shove as the persistent fan continued his advances.
This incident occurred between the two practice sessions on Friday. FP1 was challenging for Hadjar, who faced power unit issues that restricted his track time. He ended up finishing 11th fastest but improved to sixth by the conclusion of FP2.
While some have criticized Hadjar’s reaction to the fan, many others have come to his defense.
“So, incredibly, when you’re respectful and don’t invade his space or make contact, he’s actually quite friendly to fans… it’s a privilege to meet a driver, but you’re never owed that,” one user commented on X, a post that received over 3,000 likes.
Another remarked: “Good on Hadjar, honestly, fans need to understand their limits. Personal space matters and should be honored.”
Some questioned why Hadjar was the one facing disciplinary action.
Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing
“Hadjar shouldn’t be in trouble; this OLDER man shouldn’t be touching him. Paddocks are workplaces, not playgrounds. Drivers are human beings, not commodities,” a fan stated.
Others shared this sentiment but felt the situation could have been managed more effectively.
“Max is right; it’s like a zoo. People lack respect for drivers' personal space and boundaries. However, it likely could have been dealt with a little better. Security should have intervened sooner,” another user wrote.
Not everyone was so lenient, with one user questioning: “Are we acting like this is… acceptable?”
This incident follows remarks by Ralf Schumacher on Sky Deutschland, stating that Hadjar “needs to tone it down” after his heated radio messages in Austin.
Hadjar is scheduled to meet with the stewards at 10:15 am local time on Saturday. A violation of the misconduct rule carries a standard fine of €5,000, although a warning may also be issued for a first offence.
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