About 11 different flags are used in Formula 1 to indicate drivers several things. Considering drivers safety, for avoiding collisions or avoiding other unexpected offenses 11 flags are introduced by FIA, the governing body of Formula 1 races. Let’s have a discussion below about these flags.

Formula 1: Yellow Flag

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Yellow flag indicates there is a danger in front due to mechanical or electrical error, circuit problem, crash.During that time, overtaking is forbidden.

2 yellow flags in a post indicates there is a huge danger in front. Drivers are told to slow down and be prepared to change direction or stop if required. If a driver fails to reduce speed, it could result in a penalty. Also if a driver encounters 2 wavering yellow flags in practice session, his lap will be automatically deleted.

Yellow flag with SC on the board signifies that the safety car deployed on the track. That indicates the driver to slow down and be prepared to leave the circuit if required.

Formula 1: Green Flag

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Green flag signifies there is no longer danger in front and drivers can go back to normal race. It is also shown at the beginning of the race. Generally it is shown after yellow flags to let drivers know they are no longer in danger.

Formula 1: White Flag

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White flag is shown while slow moving cars like trucks, ambulances or other vehicles are deployed on the track. It indicates the drivers to slow down. It is also shown at the end of the last corner and at the end of the practice sessions while drivers finish their beginning.

Formula 1:Red Flag

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Red flag is shown when Practice sessions, Qualifying sessions or Race is suspended.

Generally it is caused due to accidents, bad weather, circuit problems and other reasons.

Formula 1: Black Flag

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It is the most unexpected flag in F1 history. Black flag is shown when a driver is disqualified from the race due to serious unsportsmanlike offense or cheating. It is shown with the car number that must be returned to the pit immediately.

Formula 1: Blue Flag

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Blue flag is shown while a fast running car approaches a slow moving car. If a slow car doesn’t give the side of a faster car before 3 sequential blue flags, the driver will be awarded a penalty. It is also shown at the end of the pit stop to alert the driver of a faster car on the circuit.

Black Flag with Orange Circle

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This flag is shown with the number of the car. It indicates that there is a Mechanical problem in the car which can harm the driver or other competitors. After having this the driver has to return to the pits as soon as possible. If a driver ignores this flag, he will receive a black flag.

Yellow and Red Striped Flag

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This flag is waved when the circuit has become slippery due to water, oil or other lubricants or drag in the circuit. It indicates the drivers to slow down and be alert. If this flag rocked from side to side that indicates small animals on the track.

Half Black Flag

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This flag is shown with a car number. It alerts the driver that the driver’s behavior is unsupporting. If a driver continuously behaves like this despite getting this flag, he will be awarded a penalty.

Checkered Flag

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This is the most expected flag in Formula 1. It signifies the finishing line of the race or end of the session. It is waved while drivers are near to complete their final lap of the race. It is waved till the last car crosses the finishing line.

Code 60 Flag

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This flag is shown when the race authority implements a speed limit during Practice, Qualification or Race. With a single yellow flag and FCY (Full Course Yellow) on the board or a purple with white circle marked 60 indicates there is a single speed limit brought around the circuit.

But with a single yellow flag and VSC (Virtual Safety Car) on the board signifies that authority brought a speed limit in one section of the circuit. Mainly the beginning and the finishing line of the area covered with double yellow flags and “SLOW” marked on the board.

That’s all about the Formula 1 cars flag. The FIA is introducing new regulations every year considering the safety and to make it more competitive.

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