Light Blue Flag

A light blue flag is a signal shown to a race car driver to warn them that a faster car is approaching from behind and they should allow it to pass safely.

In motorsport, drivers travel at different speeds depending on their car's performance, their position in the race, and track conditions. When a faster driver catches up to a slower one, race officials use the light blue flag to communicate that the slower driver should move out of the racing line and let the faster car through without blocking or slowing them down.

The blue flag appears most commonly when a leading driver is about to lap another competitor. Being "lapped" means the faster driver has completed one full lap more than the slower driver, so they're essentially a whole lap ahead. When this happens, the slower driver will see the light blue flag being displayed by track marshals at various flag stations around the circuit.

During practice and qualifying sessions, the blue flag works slightly differently. Officials may show it to any driver when a faster car on a hot lap (a timed qualifying attempt) is approaching, regardless of lap count. This helps ensure that drivers trying to set their fastest times aren't impeded by slower traffic.

The flag itself is light blue in color and may sometimes feature a diagonal stripe in yellow, orange, or red, though the plain blue version is most common. Track officials can display it in two ways: held stationary to indicate a faster car is approaching, or waved vigorously to signal that a faster car is very close and the driver must move aside immediately.

Modern racing circuits often supplement physical flags with blue warning lights mounted around the track, and drivers also receive blue flag notifications through dashboard displays or radio messages from their teams.

The rules about obeying the blue flag vary between different racing series. In some championships, it's considered good racing etiquette but not strictly enforced. However, in Formula 1 and many other professional series, ignoring blue flags can result in serious penalties. Formula 1 drivers who fail to respond to three consecutive waved blue flags may receive a drive-through penalty, where they must enter the pit lane and drive through at reduced speed, losing valuable time.

Understanding the blue flag is essential for safe racing because it prevents slower cars from interfering with faster competitors' races. When drivers respect blue flags, they help maintain the natural flow and fairness of competition while reducing the risk of collisions between cars traveling at significantly different speeds.