Formula 1 Flags – Determining Destiny

F1 Race : Flags• Penalties for infringing the warning flags, or

for speeding in and out of pit lane, can be costly both in championship points, positions in the race and in cash fines

• According to the seriousness of the offence, suspensions and forfeiture of race positions may be imposed

• These may take the form of a $5,000 fine with a 10 seconds stop-go penalty as the punishment for pit-lane speeding during a race. This means the driver must come to pit lane and stop for this period of time, before resuming the race

• Marshals at various points around the circuit are issued with a number of standard flags, to communicate vital messages to the drivers as they race around the track.

• A special display in each driver’s cockpit - known as a GPS marshalling system - also lights up with the relevant flag colour, as the driver passes the affected section of track.

• Travelling at such high speeds, it may be hard for a driver to spot a marshal’s flag and this system helps them identify messages from race control more effectively.

Danger!!!The solid yellow flag, or caution flag, universally requires drivers to slow

down due to a hazard on the track.

All clear!!!All clear. The driver has passed the potential danger point and

prohibitions imposed by yellow flags have been lifted.

Overtake!!!Warns a driver that he is about to be lapped and to let the faster car overtake. Pass

three blue flags without complying and the driver risks being penalized.

Stop!!!It indicates that the race, practice session, or qualifying session has been suspended.

All drivers on the track must proceed cautiously to the red flag line and stop.

Slippery Surface!!!A yellow flag with red stripes warns drivers that the track surface ahead is slippery, or

there is debris present. This could be as a result of a car spilling oil (or some other engine fluid), or because rain is starting to fall.

Unsporting Behavior!!!It informs a driver that his behavior has been deemed unsporting and if he does not

begin acting in a sporting manner immediately he will be disqualified. A sign with the car number accompanies the flag.

Excluded!!!Accompanied by a car number, it directs a driver to return to his pit and is most often

used to signal to the driver that he has been excluded from the race.

Mechanical Problem Detected!!!Accompanied by a car number, it warns a driver that he has a mechanical problem and

must return to his pit.

Warns of a Slow Moving Vehicle !!!A white flag indicates a slow-moving vehicle such as a retiring car, an ambulance or tow truck

ahead on the track, and instructs drivers to slow down.

No Question ?

THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE