Blue Flag with Yellow Stripe

The Blue Flag with Yellow Stripe is a motorsport warning flag that tells drivers a faster car is approaching from behind and wants to overtake them.

When race officials wave this flag at a driver, it means they should be aware of a faster vehicle catching up. The driver receiving the blue flag signal should move off the main racing line when it's safe to do so, allowing the quicker car to pass without interference.

This flag is most commonly used when a leading car is about to lap a slower competitor. In racing, "lapping" means one car is a full lap ahead of another. The slower car isn't racing the faster one for position, so it makes sense for them to step aside.

The blue flag with yellow stripe is usually considered a courtesy warning rather than a strict command. Drivers are expected to cooperate and let faster cars through, but they don't have to slam on their brakes or make dangerous moves. The key is maintaining a predictable driving line while creating space for the overtaking car.

However, some racing series take blue flags very seriously. In Formula 1, for example, drivers can receive time penalties if they ignore blue flag warnings repeatedly. Race stewards monitor these situations closely and can punish drivers who don't comply.

The flag's use varies between different parts of a race weekend. During practice sessions or qualifying, officials may show blue flags more frequently to ensure drivers on fast qualifying laps aren't slowed down by traffic.

It's important to note that blue flags aren't shown when cars are actually racing each other for position. If two drivers are fighting for the same spot in the race order, they're allowed to race hard regardless of speed differences.