Flags are how F1 communicates with drivers on track. Two of the most important: yellow means caution, red means stop.
What does a yellow flag mean?
A yellow flag signals danger on the track — like a crash, spin, or debris.
- Single yellow = slow down, no overtaking
- Double yellow = be ready to stop, something serious ahead
What does a red flag mean?
A red flag means the session is suspended. Everyone must slow down immediately and return to the pit lane.
Used for:
- Major crashes
- Track blocked or unsafe
- Heavy rain
- Barrier damage
What happens during a red flag?
- Timer is paused (in qualifying or the race)
- Cars return to the pit lane
- Teams can work on the cars — change tyres, repair damage
- Race resumes later via standing or rolling start
Can a race be stopped completely?
Yes. If the red flag lasts too long or conditions can’t be fixed, the race can be called off. Partial points may be awarded if enough distance was covered.
What happens to race order after a red flag?
The classification usually reverts to the last timing point before the red was shown — not necessarily the moment of the crash.
What’s the restart procedure?
Depends on the situation:
- Standing start (grid) if safe and track is dry
- Rolling start (behind Safety Car) in tricky conditions
Why are red flags controversial?
Because they reset gaps, let teams fix damage, and sometimes hand a free tyre change — which can flip the race.
