Daniel Ricciardo investigated by Formula 1 over incident at Miami Grand Prix

Daniel Ricciardo has learned his fate after being summoned to a hearing for an alleged rule breach at the Miami Grand Prix.

Daniel Ricciardo in Miami. Chris Graythen/Getty Images/AFP.

Daniel Ricciardo has been cleared after he was summoned to appear at a stewards inquiry over a possible rule breach during a crazy opening day at the Miami Grand Prix.

The Australian was involved in an incident during the opening practice session where fans accused him of brake testing rising star Mick Schumacher leading into turns 16 and 17.

FIA stewards announced shortly after that the incident was under investigation.

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FIA officials announced at the end of the session: “The driver and team representative are required to report to the Stewards at 16.30 (local time) in relation to the incident below.

“No. 3 driver Daniel Ricciardo — incident between cars 3 and 7 at turns 16 and 17 at 14.37. Alleged breach of article 33.4 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations”.

The rule related to driving slowly.

Daniel Ricciardo ion Miami. Chris Graythen/Getty Images/AFP.

The rule states: “​​At no time may a car be driven unnecessarily slowly, erratically or in a manner which could be deemed potentially dangerous to other drivers or any other person”.

Schumacher appeared baffled by Ricciardo’s behaviour and was heard on his team radio saying: “What is going on?”.

The FIA announced after the hearing that no further action would be taken against Ricciardo.

It was determined that Ricciardo’s actions were reasonable because a Red Bull car was approaching him and Schumacher while on a flying lap. Ricciardo had moved off the racing line in an attempt to let the Red Bull pass.

“The stewards noted that there was very little brake applied by the driver of Car 3 and decided that this could not be deemed as “erratic” driving,” the FIA statement read.

Ricciardo finished the chaotic session 10th on the time sheets.

He went on to finish the second practice session on Saturday (AEST) in 12th spot.

World championship leader Charles Leclerc was fastest for Ferrari in the first session.

The session at the unforgiving street circuit was headlined by a scary moment Valtteri Bottas.

Bottas clattered into the barriers at Turn Seven, prompting a first red flag.

Carlos Sainz also went spinning out at high speed but narrowly avoided contact with the barriers.

George Russell confirmed Mercedes’ recovery from their early-season problems when he topped the times in the second free practice session.

Making the most of reliability problems for world champion Max Verstappen and the Red Bull team, the 24-year-old Briton clocked a best lap in one minute and 29.938 seconds to outpace championship leader Charles Leclerc of Ferrari by 0.106.

Mick Schumacher's view of Daniel Ricciardo's McLaren.

His performance suggested that, following four poor early-season races, the Silver Arrows’ package of aerodynamic upgrades was working.

Sergio Perez of Red Bull was third, a further tenth adrift, narrowly ahead of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton in the second McLaren.

Hamilton was given a late exemption to take part in the event with his nose ring following a clampdown on ‘driver bling’, having removed all of his other jewellery shortly before the opening session.

Fernando Alonso was fifth for Alpine ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris and Pierre Gasly of Alpha Tauri in a session interrupted by two red flags on a warm, dry day at the new Miami International Autodrome.

Ricciardo earlier this weekend rocked up to the event sporting some truly questionable outfits as McLaren partnered with late night talk show James Corden across the opening day.

His future has also been a big talking point with McLaren Boss Zak Brown failing to commit to Ricciardo remaining with the team beyond his contract, which runs through to the end of 2023.

Speculation is mounting Ricciardo’s days on the grid are numbered as his performances come under the microscope and McLaren looks to the future.

Rumours have been ramping up he may find himself usurped at McLaren even before his contract expires at the end of 2023, with the spotlight focusing on American IndyCar prodigy Colton Herta as a potential replacement.

The 22-year-old is a development driver at McLaren and as part of his deal, Herta is set to test the MCL35M this year.

— with AFP