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I doubt there is a rule which dictates the minimum gap between the main aerofoil and the flap (technical term!) as if the gap is too large the whole wing will produce no more downforce with the flap closed than with it open - it will just produce more drag in either configuration. So, no point in having the flap in the first place, therefore no need for drag reduction.
The ideal gap (aerodynamically) is a certain percentage of the chord of the main wing that precedes it (in the order of 15% though a wind tunnel would dictate the actual gap used by any team). So, where the main wing has a short chord, the gap would be smaller than a wing with a longer chord.
In an analysis published elsewhere (Autosport?) different teams are using different main-wing chords and cambers and therefore different flap and optimum flap-gap configurations - as they are bound to by their individual exploration and conclusions about different design options.
My conclusion?: no valid conspiracy theory here
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