Black Flag with White Cross

The Black Flag with White Cross is a racing flag used in motorsports, especially IndyCar racing, to signal that a driver has been disqualified from the race and must immediately exit the track.

Think of this flag as the racing equivalent of being ejected from a game. When officials show you this flag, your race is over. Unlike other flags that warn you or ask you to pit for repairs, the black flag with white cross means you're done competing and need to head straight to the garage area.

This flag looks exactly like its name suggests: a black rectangular flag with a large white X or cross painted on it. Officials display it at the flag stand along with the disqualified driver's car number, so there's no confusion about who needs to leave the track.

Race officials only use this flag in serious situations. Common reasons include ignoring multiple black flags, creating dangerous situations on track, deliberately crashing into other cars, or showing extreme unsportsmanlike behavior. It's essentially a last resort when a driver refuses to follow the rules or puts other competitors at risk.

When a driver sees the black flag with white cross displayed with their number, they must slow down safely and drive directly to the garage. They cannot complete any more laps or continue racing. Ignoring this flag can result in even harsher penalties, including fines, point deductions, or suspensions from future races.

It's important to understand how this flag differs from other black flags in racing. A plain black flag typically means a driver should come to pit lane for a penalty or to address a problem, but they might return to racing afterward. The black flag with an orange circle, sometimes called the "meatball flag," tells a driver their car has a mechanical problem that needs fixing. Only the black flag with white cross means complete disqualification.

In FIA-sanctioned racing series like Formula 1, the rules work slightly differently. A solid black flag in those series means immediate disqualification, similar to how IndyCar uses the black flag with white cross. Different racing organizations have their own flag systems, so the exact meaning can vary by series.

Seeing this flag displayed is relatively rare in professional racing. Most drivers respect the rules and respond to earlier warnings. When it does appear, it usually becomes a memorable and controversial moment in the race, often sparking discussions about racing conduct and safety.