Red Bull are excluded from Qualifying after failing flexi- wing test

Red Bull are excluded from Qualifying after failing flexi- wing test

After qualifying yesterday, both Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel have been excluded from qualifying and sent to the back of the grid at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after the stewards declared Red Bull’s front wing illegal.

FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer reported the team to the stewards when he discovered that the front wing flaps had been designed to flex under aerodynamic load. After meeting with Red Bull representatives, the stewards agreed that the flaps were in breach of Article 3.15, which bans moveable aerodynamics designed to give an advantage.

The Red Bulls will be allowed to start from the back of the grid. The team accepted its punishment but believes it has been singled out. In a statement to the press yesterday, Red Bull stated the following:-

'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 team accepts the decision of the stewards and will start the race from the back of the grid.'

It is clear for all to see that Red Bull just like any other team have pushed the limits with the technical regulations but the difference is that they have pushed too much and have been caught out as a result. Even though Red Bull are stating that fellow teams are doing the same as them (and it could be the case), they have been caught out and they have to accept the decision of the FIA and the stewards.

Of course Red Bull are not going to happy with this decision but that is all Red Bull can do and have to hope that they are able to get through the grid and gain some points out of this weekend. But I feel that this could be difficult for them especially with the characteristics of the Yas Marina circuit and also with the Renault power unit not being as competitive as it needs to be to challenge their rivals in the manner they would like to.

But Red Bull for sure will be doing everything they can to get something out of a difficult weekend so far for them.