Have you ever watched an F1™ race and wondered what all the
flags meant? Well, wonder no more.
Kicking off formula1.com's
new Beginner's Guide to Formula One™ Motor Racing - which
tells you everything you need to know to follow and understand
all the Grands Prix - is a look at the meaning of flags.
Marshals at various points
around the circuit are issued with a number of standard flags,
all used to communicate vital messages to the drivers as they
race around the track.
Below is a guide as to what
they all mean:
Chequered flag
Indicates to drivers that the session has ended. During
practice and qualifying sessions it is waved at the allotted
time, during the race it is shown first to the winner and then
to every car that crosses the line behind him.
Yellow flag
Indicates danger, such as a stranded car, ahead. A single
waved yellow flag warns drivers to slow down, while two waved
yellow flags at the same post means that drivers must slow
down and be prepared to stop if necessary. Overtaking is
prohibited.
Green flag
All clear. The driver has passed the potential danger point
and prohibitions imposed by yellow flags have been lifted.
Red flag
The session has been stopped.
Blue flag
Warns a driver that he is about to be lapped and to let the
faster car overtake, should he disobey penalties can be
awarded. A blue light will also appear in the cockpit. Blue
lights are also displayed at the end of the pit lane when the
pit exit is open and a car on track is approaching.
Yellow and red striped flag
Warns drivers of a slippery track surface, usually oil or
water.
Black with orange circle flag
Accompanied by a car number, it warns a driver that he has a
mechanical problem and must return to his pit.
Half black flag
Accompanied by a car number, it warns of unsporting behaviour.
Black flag
Accompanied by a car number, it directs a driver to return to
his pit and is most often used to signal to the driver that he
has been excluded from the race.
White flag
Warns of a slow moving vehicle on track.
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