Beginner's Guide to Flags in F1

Learn everything you need to know about the flag system in Formula 1 and what each colour and wave means.

What are the flags for in Formula 1?

Flags are a vital communication tool in Formula 1 and convey crucial information to drivers about track conditions, warnings, and instructions.

Each flag has a meaning and provides concise instruction to the drivers.

Who waves the flags during F1 Grands Prix?

Marshals are responsible for waving the flags during a Grand Prix.

Track marshals are stationed at multiple observation posts around the circuit, in close proximity to the race track. This enables them to communicate effectively with the drivers without obstruction.

What are flag panels?

Marshals are now accompanied by LED boards which display a flag colour. The panels are present to assist marshals with communication and ensure that it's clearly understood by drivers.

What do the different coloured flags mean in F1?

Green flag

The green flag is used to indicate that a the track is clear and drivers can race at full speed.

This is typically used at the start of a practice or qualifying session, or in the immediate aftermath of an incident which has been cleared.

Red flag

A red flag is waved to signal the stoppage of a session.

This occurs if there has been a serious incident, the track is deemed unsafe or the weather is too severe to race in. This flag prioritises safety to protect drivers, marshals, and fans in hazardous conditions.

In every session, drivers are required to reduce their speed and proceed slowly back to the pit lane.

Yellow flag

The yellow flag indicates danger and marshals can specify the severity by waving a single or double flag.

Irrespective of whether it's a single or double-waved yellow, drivers are prohibited from overtaking under yellow flag conditions.

Single wave

A single wave of the yellow flag means drivers must reduce their speed, not overtake and be prepared to change direction, due to a hazard beside or partly on the track.

Double wave

A double waved yellow flag indicates a more significant hazard ahead.

Drivers must reduce their speed significantly and be prepared to come to a stop due to a hazard wholly or partly blocking the track and/or marshals working on or beside the track.

Yellow & Red flag

The yellow flag with red stripes is used to signal change in circuit conditions which may result in a deterioration of grip levels.

Examples of these changes could be an oil spill, water or even debris. The flag doesn't necessitate a reduction in speed and only advises drivers of the unpredictable track surface ahead.

White flag

The white flag is waved to signal to a driver that a much slower vehicle is ahead.

Most commonly witnessed at the end of a practice session when drivers take to the gird to complete practice starts, the white flag encourages drivers to take caution.

Blue flag

Backmarkers are more accustomed to the blue flag as it is waved to a slower driver when a faster car approaching.

Recipients of the blue flag must move out of the way of the fastest car at the earliest safe opportunity, although it does take on slightly different meanings dependent on the session.

During practice

In practice, the blue flag is displayed to inform a driver that a faster car is about to overtake. This is frequently witnessed when a driver is on a cool-down lap, while another competitor is participating in a qualifying simulation.

During a race

The blue flag is shown in the race to drivers who are about to be lapped. In this instance, the slower car must not impede the car behind or they risk facing a penalty.

Black flag

The black flag is used to disqualify a driver and orders them to return to their garage at once.

Only stewards can advise the use of a black flag.

Black & Orange flag

The black flag with an orange circle in the centre is used to indicate to a driver that their car has a mechanical problem.

Recipients of this flag must return to the pits as soon as possible to rectify the issue and they cannot rejoin the race until they have satisfied the requirements of the chief scruitneer.

Black & White flag

The diagonally-divided black-and-white flag is shown to warn drivers of their unsportsmanlike behaviour or minor infringements.

Dangerous driving, exceeding track limits, or other unsportsmanlike behaviour, might trigger the black-and-white flag. If the driver repeats any offence, they may incur a penalty, which could be a time penalty, a drive-through penalty, or a stop-and-go penalty.

Chequered flag

The most famous flag of them all, the black and white chequered flag marks the end of a session and is waved until all competing cars have finished.

It's most notable at the end of the race as the winning driver takes the chequered flag.

Read our comprehensive F1 Beginner's Guide

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