22/11/2014
NEWS STORY
Stewards in Abu Dhabi are investigating Red Bull amidst claims the front wings on its cars were flexing during today's qualifying session.
"When checking the front wing of car numbers 1 (Vettel) and 3 (Ricciardo) it was found that the front wing flaps were designed to flex under aerodynamic load," said the FIA's Technical Delegate, Jo Bauer. "In my opinion this is not in accordance with Article 3.15 of the Formula One Technical Regulations. Therefore I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration."
Red Bull Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey and Team Manager Jonathan Wheatley were subsequently called to see the Stewards.
If the wings are deemed to be illegal both drivers would be sent to the back of the grid however, since the wings would still need to be modified (and made legal) for the race, we understand this would constitute modification of the cars and would therefore mean that both drivers would start from the pitlane.
Ironically, only yesterday, the Austrian team mischievously tweeted a picture of the front wing on the McLaren along with the words "Red Bull gives you wings", a reference to the new nose (and wing) on the McLaren designed by (former Red Bull designer) Peter Prodromou who is now with the Woking team.
Ricciardo qualified fifth and Vettel sixth in today's session.
Check out our Saturday gallery, here.