New to F1? Struggling to understand what the many flags mean? That is no problem at all!
There are a range of flags in motorsport, and they tend to get overcomplicated. However in reality, they are simple.
You may have heard drivers speak about red flags, chequered flag and also yellow flags. We will go over these and many more.
Red Flag
If the red flag is out, then the race has come to a stop for the time being. This comes from a number of reasons: a crash, bad weather, technological malfunctions etc.
During a race, drivers need to slow down and return to the red flag line. They have permission to leave their cars but have to remain close to them.
However, during a Free Practice or Qualifying race, there is a set speed of 80kph, and they have to go to the pits instead.
Yellow Flag
This alerts the drivers that something has happened/may happen, and they have to both slow down, and be careful of possible hazards.
Green Flag
Usually waved at the start of a race, the green flag is used to show that the track is clear. However, it also shows a restart after suspensions.
Blue Flag
The blue flag indicates to a driver that another car is fast approaching behind them, and to let them pass. This is during practice sessions. But for races, it shows that the driver is about to be lapped, and they have to let it happen.
Black Flag
This shows up next to driver’s car number and shows when they have been disqualified from the race. It also means that they have to return to the pits immediately.
Yellow/ Red Striped Flag
The flag comes out when a change or hazard in the track surface occurs. For example, oil, or debris.
Black/ Orange Flag
It alerts the driver that damage has been done to their car and they may be in a dangerous situation due to it. By showing up with their car number, it shows they need to stay in the pits for repairs.
Black/ White Flag
Like the black flag, this is next to the driver’s number. It is a warning for FIA-unregulated behaviour before they get a disqualification.
Chequered Flag
This indicates the end of the race. It is waved at the finish line when the time is up or the race distance is complete.
SC
When this is shown, a safety car has been deployed. This happens after an incident occurs on the track and many procedures are present after it.
All cars must keep behind the safety car at all times, at a set distance. If they overtake during this time, a penalty will probably be enforced.
Drivers can go back to the pits also.
FCY
After a Full Course Yellow procedure is in place, it is on the display panel. The flag stops speeding past 80kph and drivers move in a single row- no overtaking. Distance must also be present between each driver.
Drivers can go back to the pits but cannot serve any time penalties during this time.
After the FCY procedure is over, the green flag is up again.
Overall, people seem to overcomplicate their meanings, but the flags are not hard to understand once you know.
Do you understand the flags now? Let us know, and read more from us here!