Ricciardo, Vettel disqualified from Abu Dhabi GP qualifying after cars deemed illegal

Red Bull racing duo Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel have both been disqualified from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying after their cars were deemed illegal.

The Red Bull duo had initially qualified for the season finale at the Yas Marina circuit in fifth and sixth place, but their cars were investigated at the end of proceedings for an aerodynamic influence.

However, Red Bull bosses insist that they were not the only ones breaking the rules and have declared that they feel hard-done by with the stewards' decision, The Mirror reported.

A statement from Red Bull said that following the decision of the stewards regarding the front wings on both their cars, they are disappointed that they have been singled out for a front-wing deflection test when it is clear other teams were interpreting the rules in a similar fashion.

The statement also said that the team accepts the decision of the stewards and would start the race from the back of the grid.

Technical delegate Jo Bauer initially referred the matter to the stewards after discovering the front wing flaps were designed to flex under aerodynamic load, which is against the regulations.

Ricciardo and Vettel will now start the race from the back of the grid.

It gives the chance for four-time world champion Vettel to bow out of Red Bull as a hero, if he can come from the back to a top-order position.

The German star would join Ferrari on a three-year deal next season, marking the end of his time with the team he had consistent success, the report added.