The FIA stewards have delivered their verdict following Isack Hadjar's heated confrontation with Alex Albon during the final practice session for the United States Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver came under investigation after appearing to steer towards the Williams at Turn 1 of the Circuit of the Americas.

The incident occurred in the closing stages of FP3 in Austin, when Hadjar locked up under braking for the opening corner and ran wide before encountering Albon directly ahead of him.

As the two drivers continued through Turn 1, the Frenchman moved alongside the Williams and appeared to turn his steering wheel towards the Thai driver, raising his arm in frustration.

Hadjar also expressed his anger over the team radio, accusing Albon of being unaware of his surroundings on track: "What the f**k is he doing? He was sleeping on the racing line," the Red Bull driver complained.

Photo: Race Pictures

The encounter attracted the attention of the FIA stewards, who investigated Hadjar's actions ahead of qualifying for the United States Grand Prix. Following their review of the confrontation, the stewards decided to issue Hadjar a warning rather than impose a sporting penalty.

In their explanation, the FIA stewards confirmed that Albon moved to the outside of Turn 1 to avoid impeding Hadjar, who subsequently locked up under braking and was forced to abandon his lap.

The stewards described Hadjar's reaction as a "retaliatory action", after the Frenchman swerved towards the Williams in frustration. They considered his behaviour "not only erratic but also an action that should be discouraged", leading them to issue a warning.

However, the FIA made it clear that a more severe penalty would have been imposed if Hadjar's actions had been dangerous or resulted in a collision.