Formula 1 stewards have cleared Daniel Ricciardo of any wrongdoing after the Australian was involved in an incident with Mick Schumacher in the opening practice session of the Miami Grand Prix.
Ricciardo appeared to slow down suddenly leading into turns 16 and 17, with some fans even accusing him of 'brake-testing' the young German driver.
FIA stewards were quick to announce that the incident was under investigation.
“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 FIA statement read.
The rule in question states that "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”.
Mick Schumacher - the son of legendary racer Michael Schumacher - was taken by surprise at the time of the incident, exclaiming "what is going on?" via his Haas team radio.
After a hearing, it was determined that no further action was necessary.
With a Red Bull car approaching behind on a hot lap, Ricciardo's decision to move off the racing line and slow down was deemed reasonable.
“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.
No further action for Ricciardo in regards to his near contact with Schumacher. #MiamiGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/NYgIrINlGQ
— Ed Spencer (@EdSpencer99) May 6, 2022
Ricciardo finished in 10th by the conclusion of the first practice session, dropping slightly to 12th in the second session.
His teammate Lando Norris finished 11th and 6th in each session, respectively.
It has been a frustrating season for Ricciardo so far, with a 6th place finish at the Australian Grand Prix his best performance in 2022.
The 32-year-old is currently on a deal that keeps him with McLaren until the end of the 2023 season, meaning he is set to continue with the team in papaya next year.
However, there have been reports that McLaren is looking to replace him heading into next season, with IndyCar racers Pato O'Ward and Colton Herta seen as possible options.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown explained on the F1 Nation podcast that negotiations will take place later this year.
“We have another year together, we do like to think long out, hence doing some testing with Pato [O'Ward]," Brown said.
“[Ricciardo's] race days have been very strong, much better in qualifying.
"Listening to him earlier this week with the team, I think he still doesn’t feel he’s ten out of ten on top of the car, but he has got a great relationship with Lando [Norris], and he knows the team well."
Championship leader Charles Leclerc topped the timings for the first practice session in Miami on Friday.
In a surprise, George Russell took out the second session, getting the most out of a Mercedes car that has been struggling so far this season.
The inaugural Miami Grand Prix race will begin at 5:30 am AEST on Monday, May 9.
