Both of the Red Bull Racing machines have been excluded from the qualifying session for tomorrow’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Adrian Newey designed entries, as piloted by Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel, failed an inspection following the session, when it was discovered both iterations of the RB10 were found to have breached Article 3.15 of the Technical Regulations.
It is believed both cars were found to have employed overly flexible front wing flaps, bringing them into dispute with the regulation, which governs bodywork and dimensions.
While Red Bull accepted the decision of the stewards, the Milton Keynes squad did little to disguise their irritation. In a statement, Red Bull commented, “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.”
Both drivers have been ordered to start from the grid (with Ricciardo starting ahead), promoting Toro Rosso Daniil Kvyat to 5th and Jenson Button to 6th); however the option to break Parc Fermé rules and modify the set up specifically for race conditions is open to them.
Such an additional breach would require the pair to start from the pitlane; however it is a practice previously used by Red Bull at the Yas Marina, when in 2012 Vettel started from the pits to finish 3rd with a modified set up when excluded from that event’s qualifying session.
