There are ten different types of flags in F1, to give the driver an instruction or warning. Marshalls wave these flags at the side of the track. To aid the Marshalls, there are also electronic posts showing the flags. The flags also come up on the driver’s steering wheel.
Knowing these flags is vital for the driver as failure to comply with them will lead to a penalty. What are these flags the drivers must adhere to in order to help keep the sport safe and fair?
What do the different flags in F1 mean?
The flags are split into three categories. The warning flags tell the driver about a risk ahead. The instruction flags tell the driver if they need to pit for repairs or if the race has finished. There are also the penalty flags, most commonly seen in races when a driver has gone over the track limits on three occasions.
What are the instruction flags in F1?
The instruction flags tell drivers any information they need to participate in the race safely. They will tell the driver if the track is safe to racing, when the race has finished, if they need to let faster cars through and if a driver needs to pit for repairs.
Green Flag
The green flag shows the track is clear of any incidents or debris. Drivers can race and overtake and all conditions are normal.
Chequered Flag
Every driver wants to see the chequered flag first as they cross the line. This flag shows the race is over, and once the finish line is crossed, drivers should slow down. In the 2018 Canadian Grand Prix, the flag was waved a lap too early, as race winner Sebastian Vettel noted.
Blue Flag
Back markers are instructed to get out of the way of cars leading the race. They are shown a blue flag to inform them of the faster cars. The slower car must get out of the way or face a penalty.
Black and Orange Circle flag
This flag tells the driver they need to pit as they have sustained damage to the car which needs to be fixed. It could also tell a driver they have a mechanical issue and need to return to the pits.
What are the penalty flags in F1?
The penalty flags if F1 will inform a driver they have broken rules. This includes colliding with another driver or exceeding track limits on too many occasions. If a driver has broken rules, they may even been shown a flag to disqualify them from the race.
Black Flag
The black flag tells a driver they have been disqualified from a race. This is one of the rarest flags shown. Nico Hulkenberg was given a black flag at the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2024. This was the first one shown in 17 years.
Why Nico Hulkenberg was disqualified in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix 🏴👇#F1 #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/3qrKtGv8JY
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 8, 2024
Black and White Flag
This flag is a warning to drivers for unsportsmanlike conduct, such as dangerous driving or exceeding track limits.
What are the warning flags in F1?
The warning flags in F1 will inform a driver that there is a hazard ahead. The driver will need to slow down when these flags are shown. If there is too much rain on track or a severe incident the red flag will be shown to indicate the session is postopened.
Yellow Flag
The yellow flag is waved to warn drivers that a hazard is ahead. This could be a car stopped with a mechanical issue, debris on the track, or an accident. All overtaking during this period is banned. In qualifying, the driver is expected to lift when entering the yellow flag zone.
The moment Fernando Alonso brought out the yellow flag in Q1 🟨 pic.twitter.com/fBKFZdLgrH
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) October 28, 2023
There are additionally double waved yellows for a more serious incident. Drivers should slow down more and be prepared to stop. Yellow flags are also waved during a safety car or virtual safety car period.
Red Flag
If there has been a serious accident or the rain is too heavy to race in, a red flag is waved. This tells drivers to slow down immediately and return to the pits with no overtaking. A red flag is also shown if barriers need repairing. The race which holds the record for the number of red flags in the Australian Grand Prix in 2023.
Under a red flag in practice, the clock will keep going. However, in qualifying and the race, the clock will stop.
White Flag
A white flag indicates there is a slow-moving vehicle on track like an ambulance.
Red and Yellow Stripped Flag
The red and yellow flag informs drivers there is a substance like oil on the track which will make the tarmac slippery. It can also be used to warn drivers of standing water.
What penalties can be given for ignoring flags in F1?
Drivers ignoring certain flags will be penalised. If a driver is being lapped by faster cars, they are shown the blue flag three times. If they still haven’t moved out the way after they are shown the blue flag for a third time, they are penalised, usually with a five-second time penalty.
Let’s take a closer look 🔍
This yellow flag infringement cost Lando Norris a stop/go penalty ⚠️#F1 #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/bI2UXZSWxy
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 1, 2024
Ignoring a yellow flag is usually what drivers get penalised for the most. In qualifying, ignoring a yellow flag will incur a three-place grid drop. During the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix, Lando Norris was given a ten-second stop-and-go penalty for not slowing down for double-waved yellows.
