Red Bull duo excluded from qualifying (Update)
The team were forced to do some explaining to the stewards after the FIA declared there was excessive flex in the front wing flaps on both their cars during qualifying.
Ricciardo qualified fifth fastest at the Yas Marina Circuit on Saturday with Vettel one place lower, but FIA delegate Joe Bauer has found that the front wings on both RB10s were too flexible.
Bauer ruled that "the front wing flaps on the two RB10s were designed to flex under load, and in his opinion therefore fail to comply with Article 3.15 of the Formula One technical regulations which limits moveable aerodynamics".
The pair were excluded from qualifying and Red Bull later issued a statement to say they will start at the back of the grid, but feel they are being "singled out"
"Following the decision of the Stewards regarding the front wings on both our cars (Car 1 and Car 3), we are disappointed that we have been singled out for a front wing deflection test when it is clear that other teams are interpreting the rules in a similar fashion," the statement read.
The team accepts the decision of the Stewards and will start the race from the back of the grid.
11/22/14 FIA technical delegate Joe Bauer is investigating the wings of Red Bull Racing cars, which he believes "flexed" earlier today during qualifying for tomorrow's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Bauer said the following in a statement:
"When checking the front wing of car numbers 01 and 03, it was found that the front wing flaps were designed to flex under aerodynamic load.
"In my opinion this is not in compliance with Article 3.15 of the Formula One Technical Regulations.
"Therefore, I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration."
Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel qualified fifth and sixth respectively
(Editor's note: Should their wings be found illegal, Red Bull would at minimum be forced to modify its wing in order that their cars comply with the regulations. With the cars already in Parc Ferme, any modification would mean at minimum a start from pit lane. We'll see what the FIA decides.)