Abu Dhabi: Back of the grid start for Ricciardo and Vettel

Back of the grid start for Ricciardo and Vettel


Formula One four times world champion Sebastian Vettel and Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo were sent to the back of the grid at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday after stewards ruled Red Bull had used an illegal front wing.


FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer had referred the matter to the race stewards after post-qualifying checks indicated the cars were not in compliance with technical regulations. Bauer reports underlines that the front wing flaps were designed to flex under aerodynamic load, in a breach of the rules.


The stewards summoned a Red Bull representative and subsequently ruled that the cars should be excluded from the qualifying results.


Ricciardo had qualified fifth, with Vettel sixth. But they will start from the back of the grid.


Team Red Bull F1  said in a release that  they would accept the decision but were disappointed to have been "singled out" for punishment and that many teams were doing the same.


Sunday's race will be Vettel's last race and farewell to Red Bull, with the quadruple world champion joining Ferrari next season.


Mercedes have already made sure of both championships, with Hamilton and Rosberg fighting for the drivers' crown on Sunday and starting on the front row at Sunday's race tomorrow in the Grand Prix earning the drivers double points.

- Agnes Carlier