Formula 1 | Story of Flags You Should Know
From the Green flag to the Checkered Flag, everything you need to know about the flags of F1 Motorsport….
Formula 1 Motorsport is a spectacular event that attracts fans from all over the world not only for its fearsome battles but for its strict system that creates a safe environment for the drivers that consists of some rules and conveying & implementing those rules flags are an important part of a race.
Therefore, in this story, I will tell you, what the different flags mean, and how they are used?.. Because to enjoy the race you need to understand the purpose of different flag symbols.
CHEQUERED FLAG
The chequered flag indicates that a race has been completed, or that a practice or qualifying session is over. After the chequered flag is waved, drivers cannot start another lap but may finish the remaining lap that they started, before it was shown.
YELLOW FLAG
The meaning of a yellow flag waving can vary depending on how it is waved and the number of times it is performed.
A Single waved yellow flag — means no overtaking due to imminent danger off the track. A speed reduction is required.
A Double waved yellow flag — means no overtaking and being ready to slow down at any time due to imminent danger on the track.
SAFETY CAR OR VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR SIGN BOARDS
When an incident happens on track the yellow flags are waved and if the incident is more severe that blocks the track then Safety Car (SC) is put out on track and all drivers stay behind the SC until the marshals clear up the track.
Virtual Safety Car (VSC) is used when there has been a minor incident on the track, but no safety car or flags are needed to control traffic. It’s accompanied by only one waving yellow flag.
BLUE FLAG
Blue flags can be shown to a driver in order to indicate that a faster car is trying to overtake them. A lapped (or slower) car must allow faster vehicles past after seeing the blue flag, or they will face a penalty if they keep hold of their position
RED FLAG
A session was suspended or stopped due to imminent danger, bad weather, or other concerns. All cars proceed directly to their pit areas.
BLACK FLAG
The driver must return to the pits immediately and will lose any points earned during this race. This flag is accompanied by the disqualified driver’s race number.
WHITE FLAG
A slow-moving vehicle is ahead. Also used to alert the driver of a race car when a miscellaneous vehicle — such as an ambulance, medical car, or safety car — is on track.
GREEN FLAG
Normal racing conditions apply. This is always shown following a yellow flag to indicate that the hazard has been passed. A green flag is also shown at the start of each session as an indication that track inspection and other preparations have been completed.
Now let’s talk about some bizarre flags that are used in races rarely!!!😑
RED AND YELLOW STRIPED FLAG
A yellow and red vertically striped flag is used to warn drivers that the track is slippery. The most common causes of the slippery track are water or oil — a waved version of this flag will be used to indicate if there’s a small animal on the racetrack.
BLACK FLAG WITH AN ORANGE DISC
When this flag is displayed, the driver must return his car to the pit as soon as possible and let officials know of any mechanical malfunctions.
WHITE AND BLACK DIAGONAL HALVES FLAG
Warns a driver for un-sportsmanlike behavior. If the driver continues to misbehave, they may be black-flagged (excluded from the rest of the race).
FINAL THOUGHT
Flags are visual signals used to communicate important messages, warnings, and symbols. In Formula 1 races, flags are used in conjunction with light panels, pit boards, and sometimes radios to communicate information to drivers about track conditions, safety issues, and changes in race regulations.
Now you have an idea of what types of flags are used at a Formula 1 race… So, the next time you watch F1 races you will enjoy them more.
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