Red flags in F1: when and why are they used?

Over the years, F1 has always preferred waving the red flags over a session rather than the yellow one. And of course, a few fingers could point to one of the sport’s most heartbreaking stories – the death of Jules Bianchi.

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The late Frenchman’s fatal crash occurred under yellow flags, raising questions behind the reluctance of a meeting. Since then, the use of red flags has risen one notch. But there are certain viewers who may not be aware of the protocols behind waving a red flag.

When will the Stewards prefer to use a red flag during training?

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Let’s start with the practice lessons. Since the length of the session is based on time rather than the number of laps, the stewards often prefer to show the red flag, which will stop the clock. The same goes for qualifying.

However, this depends on the severity of the incident. Imagine a scenario where a driver’s car hits the crash barriers, but keeps the engine running and hobbles into the garage. In this case, the yellow flags will stay in place for a brief moment while the commissioners clean up the rubble.

Formula 1 F1 – Hungarian Grand Prix – Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary – July 30, 2021 AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda car is towed after falling during practice REUTERS / Florion Goga

If, on the other hand, the crash is severe and the driver cannot keep the car running, the stewards can temporarily cancel the session. In the meantime, a tow truck will be on hand to get the damaged car off the track while the marshals clear up the debris and routinely check if the barrier needs repairing.

If the accident is severe enough to startle the driver, a medical car or even an ambulance will show up and take the driver to the medical center. The DNF can also be due to a technical or mechanical defect in the car. In this case, the driver has to park his car at any part of the route.

Red flag during the F1 race

The protocols are quite similar to those used during the practice sessions. Only in this case do the stewards usually use the freedom of choosing a safety car.

Formula 1 F1 – Hungarian Grand Prix – Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary – August 1, 2021 McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo after colliding with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc Pool via REUTERS / Peter Kohalmi

However, a red flag becomes mandatory if a tow truck has to appear on the route. Therefore, the drivers have to park in the pit lane according to their position on the track.

And as always, marshals will intervene in the meantime, sweep away the rubble and repair the barriers if necessary.

Freedom for F1 teams under the red flag

There is ample freedom for the teams and their drivers when a race comes to a standstill. There is no need for a driver to stay in the car until the traffic light turns green. Instead, the pilots are allowed to get out of the car and stay in their respective garages.

You can even talk to the crew about strategic changes or take a look at the racing data. In the meantime, if necessary, the pit crew can change the tires on the car or repair damage that most likely revolves around the front wing, floor or bargeboards, which in most cases are repairable.

Race start procedure after a red flag

When the traffic light at the pit lane exit turns green, the cars behind the safety car will enter the track and have to drive around the track.

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Formula 1 F1 – Great Britain Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Great Britain – July 18, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen leads at the start of the race in front of Lewis Hamilton REUTERS / Peter Cziborra. from Mercedes

In the last corner, however, the safety car leaves the train and drives into the pit lane, while the racing cars line up on the starting grid according to the existing position on the track. The usual race start procedure follows, starting with five lights and off.

There was a time when F1 opted for a running start versus a standing start after a red flag. Recently, however, standing starts have been the stewards’ first choice, which adds spice to the race.

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