Introduction to the semaphore of the Formula One World Championship

Yellow flag

The yellow flag indicates that there is an obstacle in the lane ahead, such as a crashed or malfunctioning racing car. Drivers are reminded to drive carefully. If the obstacle car is parked on the side of the track, or the obstacle is not on the track, the yellow flag will remain stationary. If an obstacle is on the track, a yellow flag will wave back and forth to alert drivers to be ready to change direction. If the track is completely blocked, then two yellow flags will be waved. Overtaking is not allowed when a yellow flag appears. If a driver fails to read the yellow flag information carefully and still drives at racing speed to the area where the accident occurred, the driver will be severely punished and may even be disqualified from the race.

Red and yellow vertical striped flag

The red and yellow vertical striped flag means there is oil on the road ahead of the track or the road is slippery. Drivers should drive carefully until the signal flag is retracted. If a race official waves this flag, it means there is a so-called slippery area not far ahead.

White flag

When a white flag appears, it means there is a slow-moving vehicle ahead. This could be an ambulance, a tow truck, or a race safety vehicle. When seeing a white flag, drivers should drive carefully and even slow down appropriately.

Red flag

A red flag indicates that the race or the car has ended early or been suspended for some reason. Red flags will be displayed at various locations throughout the track at the same time. At this time, the driver should return to the pit station and stand by to know whether and when the race will resume. In the official competition, if the red flag is shown after more than 75% of the race, the competition will end, and the final score of the competition will be based on the results of the two laps before the red flag is waved.

Blue flag

The blue flag means that there is a vehicle approaching from behind that is preparing to circle and is preparing to overtake. Drivers who are shown a blue flag should slow down and give way, moving out of the racing line if necessary. If a driver is shown waving a blue flag three times in a row, that driver will be penalized.

Green flag

The green flag indicates that the signal before the start of the race, qualifying or the obstacles on the track have been cleared and the race has returned to normal.

Black flag

If the driver's number is displayed on the starting line and a black flag appears next to it, it means that the driver needs to report to the pits after completing this lap. When a driver needs to be investigated for inappropriate racing behavior, or when a driver commits a foul during a race, a black flag needs to be shown to the driver. When this flag appears, the driver is disqualified from the race.

Red circle on black background

If the driver's number is displayed on the starting line and a red circle flag on black background appears next to it, it means that the driver needs to contact the maintenance station immediately. When race officials suspect that a driver's car has a mechanical problem and needs maintenance, a black-on-red-circle flag will be displayed.

Black and white checkered flag

When the black and white checkered flag appears, it means that the game or practice session is over. At this time, all drivers must return to the pit lane or gather in the starting area. From here, drivers need to drive their cars to pre-race inspection, where the cars need to be inspected to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations of the competition. For the winner of each race, the black and white checkered flag will be waved for him; for the drivers after the championship, the black and white checkered flag will be displayed statically.

Black and white diagonals

Appear together with the driver’s number to warn the driver that his driving behavior is detrimental to sports ethics