Blue flag in F1 - What does it mean and when is it used?

Blue flags waved by marshalls in an F1 race are not uncommon. But, have you ever wondered what is the significance of the same? Let's dive deeper and find out why are they used.

There are many flags used in F1. All of them have their own significance. However, a blue flag waved in a race is a little different than the one in practice.

If a blue flag is shown to a driver during practice, it usually means that a faster car is coming to overtake them and they need to give space to that car. This is often witnessed during Free Practice sessions and qualifying when a driver has completed his lap and another driver is on course to complete his.

However, in the race, blue flags have a slightly different meaning. During the main GP, it is used to notify the driver that they are about to be lapped by an incoming car. The driver must then allow the faster car to get through. If they fail to do so and ignore the warnings three times, they will be penalized.

Subsequently, a blue flag is also shown to a driver while leaving the pit lane. This is usually done to alert and inform him about the approaching traffic.

When is a black flag shown in F1?

Like the Blue flag, there's also a black flag which is shown in F1. This is generally waved to instruct the driver to immediately return to their pit lane garage. The stewards hold the power to wave this flag if they notice a discrepancy.

The Black flag with an orange disc is most commonly waved when the driver has damage to his car and the machinery is considered unsafe to drive. This is done to minimize the risk for other drivers driving at such high speeds at all times.

Some other types of flags in F1 are the checkered flag, the yellow flag, the red flag, and a white flag. Which one of the above flags do you find the most interesting? Tell us in the comments.