Rules & penalties · Updated for 2026
Every Formula 1 flag explained
The essential visual language for danger, track status, faster traffic and race control.
Quick answer
Yellow warns of danger, red stops the session, green restores normal running, blue manages faster traffic, black signals a driver instruction and the chequered flag ends the session.
01
Safety flags
Single and double yellows communicate different levels of danger. Drivers must reduce speed appropriately and be prepared for obstruction or marshals.
02
Instruction flags
Blue, black, black-and-white and mechanical-warning flags communicate specific obligations or conduct concerns to a driver.
03
Digital panels
Light panels improve visibility and speed of communication, but they represent the same official signalling system rather than a separate set of rules.