A Beginner’s Guide to F1 Flags: Understanding the Language of Motorsport

Published in

Formula One Forever

6 min readJul 22, 2023

In the fast-paced world of Formula 1 racing, drivers have more than just speed on their minds. They must also decipher the signals communicated by the marshals trackside through a variety of flags.

These flags convey crucial information about track conditions, hazards, and other important messages that can affect the outcome of a race.

In this beginner’s guide, I share a comprehensive list of F1 flags, ensuring you have a complete understanding of their meanings throughout the season.

So buckle up and get ready to dive into the fascinating world of F1 flag language!

Green Flag: Clear Track Ahead

The green flag is a familiar sight to every Formula 1 fan. It signifies that the track is clear, whether it’s the start of a warm-up lap, a practice session, qualifying, or immediately after an incident requiring the use of yellow flags.

2. Blue Flag: Overtaking Alert

The blue flag has a different significance during races compared to earlier sessions on the weekend. It serves as an alert to drivers that they are about to be overtaken. In various situations:

Leaving the pits: It informs a driver leaving the pits that faster traffic is approaching.
During practice: It indicates that a faster car is close behind and about to overtake.
During the race: It is shown to a driver who is about to be lapped. The driver must allow the following car to pass promptly. Ignoring three warnings can result in penalties.

3. White Flag: Slow Vehicle Ahead

When the white flag is waved, it signals that a much slower vehicle is ahead. This flag is often seen at the end of practice sessions when drivers are completing practice starts.

4. Yellow Flag with Red Stripes

Reduced Grip Levels A motionless, striped yellow/red flag warns drivers of a deterioration in grip levels caused by oil or water on the track ahead. This flag indicates that drivers should approach the area with caution.

5. Yellow Flag: Danger Ahead

The yellow flag is the universal signal of danger in Formula 1. It can be displayed in two ways:

Single waved: Drivers need to reduce their speed, cannot overtake, and must be prepared to change direction due to a hazard beside or partly on the track.
Double waved: Drivers must significantly reduce their speed, cannot overtake, and must be prepared to change direction or stop. This flag is shown when a hazard wholly or partly blocks the track or when marshals are working on or beside the track.

6. Code 60 Flag: Imposed Speed Limit

During practice sessions, qualifying, or races, the Clerk of the Course or Race Director may impose a speed limit when double yellow flags are displayed. The Code 60 flag indicates a speed limit of 60 km/h and is used when a single speed limit is imposed around the entire track or section of the track.

7. Red Flag: Session or Race Stoppage

A red flag is the most significant signal on the F1 flag spectrum. It indicates the stoppage of a practice session, qualifying session, or race. The reasons can vary from serious incidents to poor weather conditions. In response to a red flag:

Practice and qualifying: All drivers must reduce their speed and proceed slowly back to their respective pit garages.
Race: All drivers must reduce their speed and proceed slowly to the pit lane, line up at the exit, and await further instructions.

8. Black Flag: Disqualification

When the black flag is shown, it signifies disqualification for a driver. The flag orders the driver to return to their pit garage immediately. The decision to show this flag rests solely with the stewards.

9. Black Flag with an Orange Disc

Mechanical Problems The black flag with an orange circle alerts a driver to mechanical problems with their car that could pose a danger to themselves or others. The driver must stop in the pits as soon as possible. If the issues are rectified to the satisfaction of the chief scrutineer, the car may rejoin the race; otherwise, it must remain in the pits.

10. Black and White Flag

Warning for Unsportsmanlike Behavior — The black and white flag serves as a warning to a driver who has been reported for unsportsmanlike behavior. It accompanies the driver’s race number, and the same applies to the black flag and black flag with an orange disc.

11. Chequered Flag: The End

The iconic black and white chequered flag waved from above the pit wall signifies the end of any practice session, qualifying session, or race. The flag remains waved until all competing cars have crossed the finish line.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the language of F1 flags is vital for drivers, teams, and spectators alike. Each flag represents a distinct message that can have a significant impact on the outcome of a race.

By familiarizing yourself with these flags, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the strategic challenges faced by drivers as they navigate the high-speed world of Formula 1.

So, next time you’re watching a race, keep a keen eye on the marshals and their flags, and you’ll be in the know like a true F1 aficionado!

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