Flags

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Glossary

Flags in Formula 1 are used for race control to communicate with the drivers on track about hazards or rule infringements without relying on technologies such as driver-team radio. These flags are utilized to effectively communicate crucial information, ensuring the safety and fairness of the race.

Flag	Meaning
	Red Flag Return to pits. The race has stopped.
	Green Flag The track is clear.
	Blue Flag Move aside, faster driver behind.
	White Flag Slow driver ahead.
	Yellow Flag Single waved Reduce speed. Hazard beside or partly on the track.
	Yellow Flag Double waved Reduce Speed. Hazard obstructing the track or marshals working nearby.
	Yellow Flag with Red Stripes Track ahead has traction issues.
	Code 60 Slow down to 60 km/h (37 mph). No overtaking.
	Black Flag Driver is disqualified for violating regulations.
	Black Flag with an Orange Disc Car has a mechanical problem. Return to the pits.
	Black and White Flag Unsportsmanlike behavior, potentially resulting in penalties.
	Checkered Flag End of Session.

Flag Meanings

Red Flag

A red flag signals an immediate halt of a session or race due to imminent danger. It is waved when officials decide to stop the session or in cases of serious incidents or poor weather conditions. Drivers must significantly reduce speed, proceed slowly back to pit garages during practice and qualifying, and proceed slowly to the pit lane, lining up at the exit, and awaiting instructions during the race.

Green Flag

A green flag signifies clear track conditions and normal racing rules. It is waved at the start of a race when the lights go out, allowing drivers to race and overtake. In some cases, the race may start under a safety car, altering the racing conditions temporarily.

Blue Flag

The blue flag is shown in Formula 1 for various scenarios. When displayed to a driver leaving the pits, it indicates approaching traffic. During practice, it informs a driver about a faster car close behind, ready to overtake. In a race, it signals to a driver about to be lapped, requiring them to allow the following car to pass. Ignoring three warnings leads to penalties.

White Flag

A white flag alerts drivers to a slower vehicle ahead. It is seen at the end of practice sessions during practice starts, urging caution and adaptability.

Yellow Flag

Yellow flags indicate hazards on the track.

Single waved

Single waved yellow flags require drivers to reduce speed, avoid overtaking, and be prepared to change direction due to a hazard on or beside the track.

Double waved

Double waved yellow flags indicate a significant hazard wholly or partly blocking the track, requiring further reduction in speed, no overtaking, and potential direction change or stop. In qualifying, drivers must abandon their flying laps upon a yellow flag.

Yellow and Red Striped Flag

The yellow and red vertically striped flag warns drivers of a slippery track due to water, oil, or the presence of a small animal. It may rock from side to side to indicate an animal on the track.

Code 60

If a single speed limit applies to the entire track, a yellow flag accompanied by an FCY= (Full Course Yellow) board or a pink flag with a white circle containing the number 60 (Code 60) is used to signal a speed limit of 60 km/h.

Black Flag

The black flag disqualifies a driver, ordering them to return to the pit garage immediately. The decision to show this flag rests with the stewards, indicating a severe violation of regulations.

Black Flag with an Orange Disc

The black flag with an orange circle alerts a driver of mechanical problems likely to endanger themselves or others. It requires them to stop in the pits promptly. After rectification, the car may rejoin the race under scrutiny, or it must remain in the pits.

Black and White Flag

The black and white diagonally split flag warns drivers of unsportsmanlike behavior that may lead to penalties from race stewards. It serves as a warning for illegal actions not severe enough for immediate punishment. Drivers violating track limits multiple times receive this flag during a race, with penalties following subsequent violations.

Checkered Flag

The black and white chequered flag signifies the end of any practice session, qualifying session, or race. It is waved until all competing cars have crossed the finish line, indicating the completion of the session or race.

Additional information

Flags' Communication
Flags are physically waved by marshals along the track and indicated by lights on the steering wheels of F1 cars. Race engineers provide additional information and instructions to drivers over the radio, ensuring immediate awareness and necessary actions in response to flag signals. Clear communication of flags is essential for driver safety and race control.

Flag Panels
In addition to marshals displaying flags trackside, Formula 1 circuits utilize digital light panels to ensure clear communication with drivers. These panels consider day and night events, as well as changeable weather conditions, to provide important messages for drivers.