Isack Hadjar has been given a formal warning following an allegation of misconduct in the paddock.

The Red Bull driver and a paddock guest appeared to have an interaction in the paddock prior to the start of FP1.

Hadjar told the stewards 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 Frenchman's private space.

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

This latter action 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

Consequently, the Red Bull driver was given a formal warning.

The stewards actually omitted another factor, so here it is...

f) The sheer, unmitigated greed of F1.

Last week in Austin, as the Sky team looked forward to the race on the grid, one would have seen flat-bed after flat-bed loaded with Paddock Club guests enjoying a trip around the circuit ahead of the race.

Under the old management, which was widely seen as money grabbing and driven by self-interest, the paddock was the Holy of Holies, access was very strictly limited and the rules were applied with a rod of iron.

However, the paddock is now open house, assuming you have enough of the folding stuff.

Not only is everyone and his dog allowed in there - assuming they've paid - there are bars to serve them booze, and we all know the effect that this can have on some.

Drivers and media have to wind their way through crowds of people standing around drinking, while music fills the air, it's Party Time!

Meanwhile, the autograph hunters and selfie seekers are demanding the drivers sign and pose, after all they've paid for the privilege.

Like other sports, F1 has thrown itself open to the scourge of the influencer, indeed it appears to regard this modern day parasite as essential to the sport's growth.

While we do not condone Hadjar's actions they are understandable, indeed we can think of several drivers - including two British world champions - who would have flattened that 'fan'.