Black Flag with White Border

A Black Flag with White Border is a warning flag shown to drivers in motorsport to signal unsportsmanlike conduct or minor rule violations, similar to a yellow card in soccer.

When race officials display this flag, they're essentially telling a driver "we're watching you, and your behavior needs to change." The flag serves as an official warning that puts the driver on notice before more serious penalties are imposed.

The black and white flag is always shown alongside a board displaying the specific car number, so there's no confusion about which driver is receiving the warning. This ensures the message reaches the intended recipient clearly during the heat of competition.

Common reasons for receiving this warning flag include repeatedly exceeding track limits, aggressive driving that forces other competitors off the racing line, or any behavior that goes against fair play principles. These actions might not be severe enough for immediate punishment but still require correction.

The warning system gives drivers a chance to modify their behavior before facing harsher consequences. It's motorsport's way of saying "clean up your act" before things escalate to time penalties or even disqualification.

If a driver ignores the Black Flag with White Border and continues the problematic behavior, race stewards typically step in with more serious penalties. This progressive approach helps maintain fair competition while giving competitors an opportunity to self-correct.

The flag represents motorsport's commitment to maintaining sporting integrity and driver safety. By providing this intermediate warning step, officials can address issues before they become dangerous or severely impact race results.