Red Flag

A Red Flag in motorsport is a signal that immediately stops all racing activity when track conditions become too dangerous for drivers to continue safely.

When race officials wave the red flag, every driver on the track must slow down right away and carefully drive to the pit lane or another safe area. Think of it like an emergency brake for the entire race - everything stops until the danger is cleared.

Red flags are used in several dangerous situations. Major crashes that scatter debris across the track or damage safety barriers will trigger a red flag. Severe weather like heavy rain or thick fog that makes it impossible for drivers to see properly also requires stopping the race immediately.

Other reasons include oil spills that make the track slippery, medical emergencies that need track access, or any other hazard that puts drivers, track workers, or spectators at risk. Safety always comes first in motorsport.

During a red flag period, the race clock stops ticking. Drivers cannot pass each other and must follow specific rules about where to go and how fast to drive. Race officials use this time to clean up debris, repair barriers, or wait for weather to improve.

Once the danger is cleared, racing can resume. Depending on the racing series and situation, this might be with a standing start (cars lined up and stationary) or a rolling start (cars moving in formation). Officials announce the restart procedure to all teams.

You'll see red flags in all types of motorsport, from Formula 1 and NASCAR to local racing series. The red flag system ensures that exciting racing can happen while keeping everyone as safe as possible when unexpected dangers arise.