Ricciardo starts from back of grid in Abu Dhabi

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DanielRicciardo

The pair were excluded from qualifying ahead of Sunday's race after stewards ruled that the front wings on both their cars were in breach of the technical regulations.

They had initially secured fifth and sixth spots respectively on the grid but an examination by FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer revealed excessive flex on the RB10 cars. 

Article 3.15 of the Formula One technical regulations limits moveable aerodynamics.

Red Bull released a statement that claimed other teams might also have been in contravention of the regulations.

"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," it read.

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

Red Bull began the weekend already assured of second place in the Constructors' Championship, although they will likely finish the season more than 300 points adrift of Mercedes.

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Peter Marshall has worked in sports media for more than two decades, covering everything from boxing, F1 and tennis to the World Cup and Olympics.