Daniel Ricciardo sparks F1 investigation after Miami GP incident

Daniel Ricciardo was at the centre of an investigation from officials during the opening practice for the Miami Grand Prix on Friday, however the Aussie star escaped sanction.

Ricciardo was summoned to appear at a stewards inquiry after allegedly brake testing Mick Schumacher on turns 16 and 17.

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FIA stewards announced after the practice session that Ricciardo was under investigation.

“The driver and team representative are required to report to the Stewards at 16.30 (local time) in relation to the incident below," officials said.

“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 in question 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 was stunned by Ricciardo's driving, saying over team radio: "What is going on?"

Stewards later found that Schumacher had to take action to avoid colliding with Ricciardo, but deemed no further action was necessary.

"The stewards noted that there was very little brake applied by the driver of Car 3 and decided that this could not de deemed as 'erratic' driving," the findings stated.

Charles Leclerc fastest in opening Miami practice

Ricciardo was 10th fastest as championship leader Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets in first practice for the inaugural Miami Grand Prix.

The Ferrari driver clocked 1 minute 31.098 seconds around the 5.412-kilometre Miami International Autodrome in the opening session.

He was followed by George Russell, only 0.071 seconds off the pace, as Mercedes enjoyed a relatively good session after their woeful start to the season.

World champion Max Verstappen was third, with Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez in fourth.

Carlos Sainz was sixth in the other Ferrari car, while seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was only eighth in his Mercedes.

Ricciardo's McLaren teammate Lando Norris was a place further back of the Aussie in 11th.

Meanwhile, Hamilton caused a stir when he showed up to his press conference decked out in gems in an apparent protest of F1's crackdown on jewellery.

Drivers haven't been permitted to wear jewellery in their cars since 2005 due to safety concerns, but the rule has never been stringently enforced - until now.

Hamilton had removed most of his jewellery in compliance with the clampdown, which had generated controversy before Friday's action.

However Hamilton kept his nose stud, for which he was given a special exemption, according to a pre-session note circulated by the FIA confirming that Mercedes had finally completed a scrutineering declaration.

This meant both of their drivers would obey the rules about 'the wearing of jewellery' and 'compliant underwear', issues that had annoyed several drivers including four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel.

The Aston Martin driver chose to show his feelings on the subject by wearing his underpants over his race suit as a sign of protest.

Hamilton's exemption was reported to have been granted for two races and came after his successful efforts to remove his earrings.

with agencies

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