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Flags and their meanings

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Wizzo:
Flag signals are a vital part of F1. It is the only way race officials cannot communicate directly with the drivers. Here are the flags together with a brief description


CHEQUERED FLAG
The race has ended.
Shown first to the winner, and then to every car to cross the line behind them.


RED FLAG
The race has been stopped, usually because a car is lying in a dangerous position after an accident or because conditions are too poor for racing to be safe.


YELLOW FLAG
Indicates danger ahead and overtaking is prohibited. A single waved yellow flag means slow down, a double waved yellow warns that the driver must be prepared to stop if necessary.


BLUE FLAG
Shown to a driver to indicate that a faster car is behind him and trying to overtake. Shown both to lapped cars and those racing. A lapped car must allow the faster car past after seeing a maximum of three blue flags or risk being penalised. A racing car is under no obligation to move over.


BLACK FLAG
Shown with a car number to indicate that the driver must call into the pits immediately, usually because he has broken the rules and will be disqualified.


RED AND YELLOW STRIPED FLAG
The track is slippery. This usually warns of oil or water on the track.


GREEN FLAG
A hazard has been cleared up and the cars can proceed at racing speed.


BLACK FLAG WITH AN ORANGE DISC
Shown with a car number to indicate that the car has a mechanical problem and the driver must return to his pit immediately.


WHITE AND BLACK DIAGONAL HALVES
Shown with car number to indicate a warning for unsportsmanlike behaviour. A black flag may follow if the driver takes no heed of the warning.


WHITE FLAG
Warns of a slow-moving vehicle on the track, such as a tow truck or safety car.

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