What is a blue flag in F1?

Blue flag in F1 explained: What does blue flag mean in F1 and how does it effect the race when it’s waved?

As Formula One continue to grow in popularity, new fans may find themselves wondering about certain rules and protocol when they’re watching a race.

For instance, what does it mean when a blue flag is waved during a race?

All forms of racing have a system of flag signals meant to indicate certain hazards to drivers on the course. NASCAR has its own set of flags, IndyCar has its own set of flags, and so too does F1.

There are currently 11 flags in the F1 system, some of which are obvious and others are a little less well-known. We all now a checkered flag when we see one and know what it means, but what about a blue flag that’s being waved?

Blue flag in F1: What does blue flag mean in F1?

According to the official Formula 1 rules, a blue flag essentially means that a driver who is about to get lapped needs to let the faster cars behind him pass.

So if Driver Y is on his 10th lap, but Driver X is about to pass him doing his 11th lap, then the blue flag will be waived to basically shame Driver Y for going so slow in one of the world’s fastest cars that he’s about to be lapped in a professional race.

Here’s an official explanation:

"A blue flag indicates that the driver in front who is one or more laps down must let faster cars behind pass. If the driver ignores 3 consecutive blue flags, a penalty is issued to the driver. In practice and qualifying, this is shown when a car is being hindered by a slower car."

Blue flag is such a savage flag.