What Do The Different Flags Mean in F1?

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Why are flags used in Formula 1?

Flags are a main form of communication within Formula 1. Although the drivers receive information for their race engineers via their radio, visual cues also help to eliminate miscommunication and relay messages in certain sectors of the race track.

Flags are usually deployed by the marshals, but various situations, usually more serious ones, require race control to get involved. In the midst of the drivers braking, steering, accelerating, relaying and receiving information on the radio and fighting on track battles, they also have to pay attention to flags in order to avoid an incident or penalty.

Green Flag

The green flag means that the track is clear and there are no issues ahead. The green flag is usually shown at the start of the session or after any yellow flags, signalling that the prior issue has now been resolved.

Yellow Flag

The yellow flag means that there is a hazard ahead and for the drivers to slow down and approach with caution. This can range anywhere from a car going off track to there being debris on the circuit. The drivers are not allowed to overtake and they have to reduce their speed, being ready to change the racing line at any given moment.

Flags in Formula 1 — Different Flag Meanings in Formula 1

Double Yellow Flag

Similarly to the single yellow flag, the double yellow flag means that there is an incident ahead and that the drivers must approach with caution. The double-waved flag usually indicates something more serious and means that the driver has to slow down much more considerably as it is often used when marshals are on the track. Again, the drivers cannot overtake and must be prepared to change the racing line.

Blue Flag

The blue flag is meant to inform a driver that there is a faster car behind them. In a race, this means that the driver is about to be lapped, or that they have already been lapped and are in the way of a more competitive car. The driver being shown the blue flag has to move out of the way to let the faster car through as quickly and safely as possible. In a practice or qualifying situation, the blue flag means that a faster car is approaching them or it is shown when they have exited the pits and there is a quicker car behind them. In practice or qualifying sessions, it is mainly used to manage traffic on the circuit.

Red Flag

The red flag is used to stop a practice, qualifying or race session due to a much more extreme accident or situation. This can range from dangerous weather to be driving in, to a more severe crash. The call for the red flag is made by the officials and then the marshals wave it at each of their posts. Drivers must reduce their speeds significantly and head back to the pit lane to receive further instruction on the situation. In practice and qualifying, the drivers will head right back to their garages whereas in the race, the cars line up at the pit lane exit, usually trying to maintain the current race order.

Black Flag

The black flag is used to disqualify a driver. When a driver is shown the black flag, they must immediately return to their pit garage and retire from the race. This flag is only shown based on the decision of the stewards.

White Flag

A white flag is used for telling a driver that a much slower car is ahead. It acts as a warning signal for them to take caution.

Checkered Flag

The checkered flag is the most widely recognized flag. It means that the session has ended and that all of the cars are crossing the finish line.

Black and Orange Flag

The black flag with an orange circle in the middle indicates to a driver that their car has either damage or a mechanical issue, both of which could be deemed as dangerous to the driver themselves or to the others around them. The driver must head to the pits but there is the possibility that they can return to the track and resume the session as long as the chief scrutineer is satisfied that the issues have been resolved.

Red and Yellow Striped Flag

The red and yellow striped flag means that there is a slippery surface up ahead due to oil, water, or some other substance. It signifies to the drivers that they need to slow down and be careful through a specific sector(s).

Black and White Flag

The black and white flag is used to disqualify a driver and means that they must return to their pit garage. The driver being shown this flag is out of the race or session with immediate effect. This flag is only waved based on the decision of the stewards.

What are Safety cars and why are they used in Formula 1?

There are two different types of safety cars that are seen within Formula 1: the Full Safety Car (SC) and a Virtual Safety Car (VSC). They both serve the same purpose of managing the traffic and speed of the cars when there is an incident on track.

The type of safety car deployed is dependent on the severity of the incident that took place on track. These incidents can range from a crash on track to the marshals just needing to collect debris.

The Formula 1 safety car is a physical car that is brought out on track for the main purpose of reducing and managing the speed of the cars. The full safety car is usually deployed for more serious incidents that require the marshals to come on track and clear up the situation. With the safety car reducing the speed of the race, the cars end up catching up to one another which always makes for an exciting race restart. Cars are not allowed to overtake under the safety, unless they are told to do so. Usually only the lapped cars have the right to pass the safety car so they can catch up to the back of the pack.

In the past, the safety car has been used during the formation lap when the weather has been too wet for a regular standing start. So drivers and fans are aware that the safety car is deployed, there are large flashing signs on the sides of the track showing ‘SC’ to indicate they must reduce their speed. When fans are watching the broadcast, there is usually an ‘SC’ at the top of the leaderboard to specify that the safety car has been deployed and which safety car it is. Once the incidents on track or the situation has been deemed safe for racing, the safety car will return to the pit lane and the drivers will receive a signal to continue racing on the next lap. The cars will then follow a rolling start at the discretion and timing of the driver in the lead, who will try to strategically plan it to catch his rivals off guard.

A virtual safety car (VSC), is deployed for less serious situations but still sees the drivers have to reduce their speed. There is no physical car that gets brought out on track, the only indicator is the large signs on the sides of the track showing a ‘VSC’ and a yellow flag. Unlike the full safety car, the VSC doesn’t see the cars bunching up as much since they are given a set time that they must stick to. The gaps between the drivers stay relatively the same as everyone is given the exact same time to stick to.

Teams will plan for different strategies depending on the deployment of a safety car. For example, many teams will opt to pit their drivers for new tires when a safety car is deployed. This is because you end up losing less track position to the other cars and less time in the pit lane because of the reduced speed conditions. Teams will try to use a safety car to their advantage, but it can be a gamble depending on what their competitors are doing.