There are ten flags in Formula 1. The best known is the checkered flag, used in all races to signal the end of the race. Of the other nine, most serve to prevent accidents – in fact, that’s why the flags appeared.
The first were the red (stop) and yellow (attention) signs, which hit the tracks in 1899. When Formula 1 was created, in 1950, the signs were already very similar to the current ones – the only innovations were black and white. white and black with orange circle, created in 1985.
(Until the 1970s, the start was given by a flag with the colors of the host country, but, with the invention of the starting lights, this was retired.)
Today, in just one race there are more than 150 track marshals – as the “bandeiras” are known. In general, they are volunteers who make a career plan until they reach Formula 1. They start flagging in kart races and pass through intermediate categories, such as Formula 3. Therefore, if you want to work at the Brazilian GP, start with the less popular modalities and gain experience.
Yellow
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Danger on the track. It is usually shown when there is an accident car on the way. The driver is obliged to reduce speed and overtaking is prohibited. Sometimes a marshal waves two yellow flags at the same time. In this case, the road is obstructed and the driver has to prepare to stop the car or change direction.
red
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Paralyzes the race or training after an accident. All pilots return to the pits and await a decision from the direction of the test. At the 2009 Brazilian GP, the red flag was waved after a serious accident by Spaniard Fernando Alonso. It was decided to close the race when there were still 17 laps to go.
The 2021 season saw the red flag being used the most. Of the 79 times the flag has appeared since the beginning of Formula 1, 6 rolled in 2021. There is an accident.
Green
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Suspends the effect of the yellow light, indicating the return to normality and reauthorizing overtaking. The green flag produces a kind of restart, since, with the track obstructed, the cars are paired up again.
yellow and red
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It informs that some sections of the runway have water or oil and, therefore, are slippery. When it starts to rain, the inspector holds the flag with one hand and points the other to the sky. In this case, the team prepares to change the smooth tires for those with grooves, known as “biscuit”.
Blue
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Indicates that a faster car is approaching and therefore overtaking should be facilitated. The slowest rider can receive up to three blue flags before giving up. Anyone who disrespects this guideline is usually punished with a stop in the pits.
White
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It pairs with the blue, indicating to a faster driver the presence of a slower one ahead. When it is shaken, it informs that slowness may be obstructing the path.
checkered
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Ends the race or practice session. The first to see her is the champion of the race. I mean, the correct thing is for that to happen, but that wasn’t what happened in the 2002 Brazilian GP. flag for the winner, the German Michael Schumacher.
black
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Forces the driver who has committed an infraction to enter the pits on the next lap. It usually results in disqualification. It is shown together with the offender’s car number.
Black with orange circle
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Warns a driver that his car has mechanical problems. It is also shown with a plate that indicates the car number and requires a stop at the pits to carry out the repair. It is the most unusual, as the driver and the team often notice problems before the marshals.
Black and white
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Indicates unsportsmanlike conduct (a risky tackle, for example) and, like the other two black ones, comes with the offender’s number. The first time, the pilot is not punished and can continue normally in the race. But, if he repeats the shave, he receives the black flag and goes straight to the shower (or rather, to the pits).
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