Yellow and Red Striped Flag

The Yellow and Red Striped Flag is a warning signal in motorsports that alerts drivers to slippery or hazardous track conditions ahead, typically caused by oil, water, debris, or other substances that could reduce tire grip and cause a vehicle to lose control.

Think of this flag as the racing equivalent of a "wet floor" sign you'd see in a grocery store. Just as that sign warns you to watch your step, the yellow and red striped flag tells drivers to be extra careful because the track surface ahead isn't providing normal grip levels. When track marshals wave or display this flag, they're giving drivers a heads-up that something on the racing surface could make their car slide or spin unexpectedly.

The most common causes for displaying this flag include oil or coolant leaks from damaged race cars, which create an extremely slippery surface similar to ice. Water on the track from a localized rain shower or sprinkler system can also trigger this warning. Additionally, gravel, sand, or small debris that has been dragged onto the racing surface from off-track areas may reduce grip and warrant the flag's use.

Unlike some flags that are waved vigorously to get drivers' attention, the yellow and red striped flag is typically displayed stationary at specific flag stations around the circuit. This stationary display indicates that the hazard is located in a particular section of track near that flag station. Drivers know to be especially cautious as they approach and pass through that area.

When drivers see this flag, they're expected to reduce their speed and adjust their racing line if necessary. They might avoid certain parts of the track where the slippery substance is located, or they may simply drive more smoothly to avoid sudden steering or braking inputs that could cause them to lose control. The flag doesn't require drivers to slow down as dramatically as a full yellow caution flag, but it does demand increased awareness and careful driving.

The flag remains displayed until track workers have cleaned up the hazardous material or conditions have improved. In the case of oil spills, special absorbent materials are spread on the track to soak up the fluid. For water, the track may simply need time to dry, or workers might use blowers to speed up the process.

Different racing series around the world use this flag consistently, though some variations exist. In motorcycle racing, this same flag design might specifically indicate debris on the track, which poses an even greater danger to two-wheeled vehicles. Some series use alternative flags for similar purposes, such as a white flag with a red diagonal cross to indicate rain or moisture on track.

Understanding flag signals like the yellow and red striped flag is essential for driver safety. These visual communication tools allow race officials to quickly warn competitors about changing conditions without relying on radio communications, which might be difficult to hear over engine noise or could be delayed by technical issues.