Blue flag

Blue flag waving

The blue flag is Formula 1's signal to a lapped car that it is about to be caught by the leaders. It is one of the shortest rules in the sport and one of the most frequently invoked. Drivers must yield at the first reasonable opportunity, and stewards do not take three missed flags kindly.

What is a blue flag in Formula 1?

A blue flag is a signal shown to a driver who is about to be lapped, warning them that a faster car is right behind and wants to pass. It is defined in Appendix H of the FIA International Sporting Code and displayed at the marshal post closest to the incident, both as a physical waved flag and on the trackside LED panel.

When is a blue flag shown?

In a race, marshal posts show a blue flag to a driver about to be lapped as soon as the pursuing leader is within roughly a second. In practice or qualifying, a blue flag is shown to any driver who is being caught by another driver on a faster lap, whether or not lapping is involved, so that the slower car does not compromise the faster car's attempt.

The rule for the driver being shown blue

The FIA Sporting Regulations require the driver receiving the blue flag to allow the faster car through at the first reasonable opportunity. Usually that means lifting on the next straight and giving position on the following corner entry. Drivers who ignore the flag typically receive a penalty after three consecutive blue-flag warnings.

Penalties for ignoring blue flags

Missing three consecutive blue flags is the trigger point most stewards use. A first offence typically produces a five-second time penalty added to the driver's race time. Repeated or dangerous behaviour can escalate to a drive-through, a ten-second stop-and-go or a grid drop at the next event.

Blue flag versus yellow flag

Blue and yellow flags do not overlap. A yellow flag warns of a hazard and demands a speed reduction and no overtaking. A blue flag is the opposite: it demands that the driver receiving it lets a specific car go past. The two flags can be shown at the same corner, and drivers are expected to obey both.

Latest blue flag news

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  22 May 2018

  F1 eyes blue flag axe

Frequently asked questions about blue flags

What does a blue flag mean in F1?

A blue flag warns a driver that a faster car is about to lap them and requires them to move aside at the first reasonable opportunity.

When is a blue flag shown?

In a race it is shown when the leader is within roughly one second of a lapped car. In practice or qualifying it is shown when a driver on a faster lap is closing in on a slower car ahead.

What happens if a driver ignores blue flags?

Missing three consecutive blue flags typically earns a five-second time penalty. Repeated or dangerous offences can escalate to a drive-through, a ten-second stop-and-go or a grid drop at the next race.

Does a blue flag apply in qualifying?

Yes. Any driver being caught by a car on a faster lap in practice or qualifying must let that car past to avoid compromising its lap.

Do blue flags apply under a Safety Car?

No. Under a Safety Car, backmarkers between the leaders are usually waved past by Race Control to bunch up the field for the restart, and blue flags are not used.