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The Flags

Marshals stationed at various points around the circuit use a number of standard flags to communicate vital messages to the drivers. These are the messages the flags convey:
Chequered flag
Chequered flag
Indicates that the session has ended. For practice and qualifying sessions, it is waved at the allotted time. During the race it is shown first to the winner and then to every car that crosses the line behind him.
Yellow flag
Yellow flag
Indicates danger ahead - such as a car that has broken down. A single wave warns drivers to slow down, while two waves mean that drivers must slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary. Overtaking is prohibited.
Green flag
Green flag
Indicates All Clear. The driver has passed the potentially dangerous point and the prohibitions imposed by yellow flags have been lifted.
Red flag
Red flag
Indicates that the session has been stopped, (could be due to an accident or poor track conditions).
Blue flag
Blue flag
Signals to a driver that he is about to be lapped and he should let the faster car overtake. If the driver passes three blue flags without complying he can be penalised.
Yellow and red striped flag
Yellow and red striped flag
Signals to drivers that a slippery track surface (due to oil or water) is ahead.
Black with orange circle flag
Black with orange circle flag
This flag is accompanied by a car number. It warns a driver that his car has a mechanical problem and he must return to his pit.
Half black, half white flag
Half black, half white flag
This flag is accompanied by a car number and it warns of unsporting behaviour. This flag may be followed by a black flag if the driver ignores the warning.
Black flag
Black flag
This flag is accompanied by a car number. It signals a driver to return to his pit and is usually used to signal to the driver that he has been excluded from the race.
White flag
White flag
This is used to warn drivers of a slow moving vehicle on the track.