Formula 1 Drivers already have a lot to contend with, but one critical safety device is purely visual, takes the form of a flag and is by far the most important.

So, how well do you know your Formula 1 flags and could you remember each one’s meaning in such a highly pressured and competitive environment? Here are all of the different flag variations:

• Green Flag
• Blue Flag
• White Flag
• Yellow & Red Striped Flag
• Yellow Flag
• ‘Code 60’ Flag
• Red Flag
• Black Flag
• Black Flag With An Orange Disc
• Black & White Flag
• Chequered Flag

In Formula 1, flags are used by the race officials and marshals to communicate important information to the drivers. Each flag has a specific meaning, and drivers are required to respond accordingly. Let’s look at the meanings behind each flag:

Green Flag

The green flag is used to indicate that the track is clear, this could be at the start of a warm-up lap, practice session or qualifying session, or in a Grand Prix immediately after an incident that necessitated the use of one or more yellow flags.

Blue Flag

The blue flag is usually used to inform a driver that they are about to be overtaken but the meaning can differ for the race compared to sessions earlier in the weekend.

In all sessions, it is shown to inform a driver leaving the pits that traffic is approaching. During practice sessions, it is shown to inform a driver that a faster car is close behind and is about to overtake. During the race, it is shown to inform a driver that they are about to be lapped and must allow the car to pass at the earliest opportunity.

White Flag

The white flag is shown to inform a driver that there is a much slower car ahead of them and to proceed with caution, it can also be shown at the end of practice sessions whilst drivers complete practice starts.

Yellow & Red Striped Flag

A motionless, yellow and red striped flag is shown to inform drivers that there has been a deterioration in grip levels due to oil or water on the track ahead.

Yellow Flag

The yellow flag is a signal of danger and to proceed with caution. A single wave means that drivers need to reduce their speed, cannot overtake and must be prepared to change direction. A double wave however means that drivers need to reduce their speed significantly, cannot overtake and must be prepared to change direction or stop entirely.

‘Code 60’ Flag

A single speed limit imposed around the entire track will be indicated by a single yellow flag and a board indicating ‘FCY’ (Full Course Yellow), or a purple flag with a white circle containing the number 60 (‘Code 60’), which sets a 60 km/h limit. If a variable speed limit is imposed, this will be indicated with a single yellow flag and a board labelled VSC (Virtual Safety Car), if a speed limit is imposed on a specific section of the track, the start and end of the zone will be marked with a double yellow flag and board labelled ‘SLOW’.

Red Flag

A red flag is shown at the start line and every marshal post around the circuit to indicate that the officials have decided to stop the session, all drivers are required to reduce their speed and proceed back to the pit.

Black Flag

The black flag is shown to inform a driver that they have been disqualified and to return immediately to the pit garage. The black flag is very rare with the last one being shown in the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix.

Black Flag With An Orange Disc

The black flag with an orange circle is shown with the driver’s number to inform them that their car has mechanical problems, is likely to pose a danger to themselves or others and to pit as soon as possible. If the mechanical problems are rectified to the satisfaction of the chief scrutineer the car may rejoin the race.

Black & White Flag

The black and white flag is also accompanied by the driver’s number and is shown to them as a warning that they have been reported for unsportsmanlike behaviour.

Chequered Flag

The black and white chequered flag is waved from above the pit wall and indicates the end of the practice session, qualifying session or race, the flag is waved until all competing cars have passed it.

Did You Find This Article Interesting?

If you found this article interesting, you might be interested in reading our ‘There’s a giant lizard on the track!’ article.

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