- Abu Dhabi GP - Qualifying
Red Bull front wing under investigation
Both Red Bull cars are under investigation following qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as the FIA believes their front wing flaps have been designed to flex at high speed.
"When checking the front wing of cars numbers 01 and 03 it was found that the front wing flaps were designed to flex under aerodynamic load," FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer said. "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."
With the exception of the DRS overtaking device, moveable aerodynamics used to gain an advantage are banned under the regulations.
To counter this, the FIA tests wing deflection under certain loads in controlled conditions, although it appears it is the flaps and not the wing itself that is under question. In 2010 Red Bull came under intense scrutiny over the flexibility of its front wing and the FIA responded by upping the tests conducted and then did so again ahead of the 2013 season.
A team representative was called to the stewards office two hours after qualifying to discuss the matter with the stewards. Ricciardo qualified fifth ahead of Vettel in sixth but both could face exclusion from qualifying if the wing is deemed illegal.
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