Racing Flags Trivia Quiz

A green flag is shown when the track is clear and racing can start / resume. In Formula 1 it was traditional to start the race by waving the flag of the country where the race was taking place. These days this is rarely seen as the race start is controlled by a light countdown shown to drivers with a green flag being waved behind the grid. Green flags are also shown to indicate that a caution period is over and racing can resume.

In FIA sanctioned races either one or two yellow flags can be shown to drivers. If a single yellow is shown this indicates that there is a hazard, such as debris or a broken down car, on or near the track. Double yellows are shown when the track is blocked and drivers must be prepared to slow down significantly and be aware of the hazard and marshals on the track.

This flag is referred to as a code 60 flag. It is shown instead of using a full-course yellow or a safety car in the FIA approved 24H series. The 24H series is an endurance racing competition for touring cars consisting of only races lasting 24 or 12 hours.

When the code 60 flag is shown drivers are forbidden from overtaking and must not exceed 60km/h.

A blue flag is shown to a driver to indicate that a faster car is approaching and the driver should let that car pass. In F1 this flag is used in practice and qualifying sessions to inform drivers not on fast laps that a driver on a fast lap is approaching while during a race the flag is shown to a driver who is about to be lapped. Drivers can be penalised for not moving when shown a blue flag.

In racing that follows the FIA Sporting Code a white flag is waved when there is a slow moving vehicle on track, this could be an official or emergency vehicle or a race car with an issue meaning it is running at significantly reduced speed. In F1 this flag is used during practice sessions to warn other drivers that drivers are doing practice starts on the pit straight.

A red flag means that the session is suspended, this could be a race or another session with cars on track such as qualifying or practice. A red flag is usually shown when it becomes too dangerous due to adverse conditions or because of a major accident blocking the track. Red flags are also used to allow for repairs to safety features such as barriers after a car has hit them to ensure they retain their effectiveness if another driver were to hit the same area.

Usually cars must return to the pit lane when the red flag is shown but sometimes they may have to stop on the track if it is deemed too dangerous or difficult to get to the pits.

This black flag with an orange circle in the middle is shown accompanied by a car number to inform a driver that their car is defective and they must come in to the pits to rectify the issue. This flag is usually shown when the mechanical problem could be dangerous to others such as loose bodywork which could come off and cause a problem for another driver.

FIA sanctioned races use a black and white flag to show a driver they have been issued with a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct. This could be because they are deemed to have driven in a way that causes problems for other drivers or because they have gone outside of the designated race area of the track.

In FIA sanctioned races a black flag is shown with a car number and indicates that the driver has been disqualified from the race. The driver must return to the pits and take no further part in the race.

The black and white chequered flag is perhaps the most famous motor racing flag of them all and is waved to signal the end of the race. The chequered flag is also waved in F1 to indicate the end of qualifying and practice sessions.