Flag guide for track days and racing

Marshals communicate with drivers using flags from posts around the circuit. On a track day the flags are advisory and safety-driven; at a race meeting they also carry sporting consequences. Either way the rule is the same: look at the posts on every lap, and act on what you see immediately rather than waiting to see the hazard for yourself.

A waved flag is more urgent than a stationary one. Many circuits supplement flags with light panels, but flags remain the authority.

• Yellow

  Track days and racing

  Danger ahead. Slow down, be prepared to change line or stop, and no overtaking until you pass the next green flag. Two yellows waved means serious danger — be ready to stop.

• Green

  Track days and racing

  Hazard cleared, normal running resumes. Also used to signal the start of a session or a warm-up lap.

• Red

  Track days and racing

  Session stopped. Slow to a safe, steady speed, no overtaking, and return to the pit lane unless marshals direct you otherwise. Never stop on the racing line.

• Chequered

  Track days and racing

  End of session or race. Complete the lap at a reduced pace and come into the pits — the cool-down lap is not a flying lap.

• Black with orange disc

  Track days and racing

  Mechanical problem with your car (commonly a fluid leak, loose bodywork or smoke). Shown with your car number — return to the pits immediately.

• Black

  Track days and racing

  You are excluded or being called in by the clerk of the course. Return to the pits on that lap and report to race control or the office.

• Blue

  Track days and racing

  A faster car is behind you. On a track day, acknowledge and give a clear, predictable signal at the next sensible place. In racing, you are about to be lapped — let the leader through safely.

• Red and yellow stripes

  Track days and racing

  Slippery surface ahead — oil, coolant, water or gravel dragged onto the track. Grip will be lower than you expect.

• White

  Track days and racing

  A slow-moving vehicle is on track — recovery truck, ambulance or a car limping back to the pits.

• Black and white diagonal

  Racing

  Warning for unsporting driving. Shown with your car number — the next step is usually a black flag.

• Yellow: lift, no overtaking, and stay off the grass or gravel where marshals may be working.
• Red: hands up if it is safe, slow to a steady pace, no overtaking, and head for the pit lane. Expect the session to be neutralised while a car is recovered.
• Blue on a track day: it is not a demand to pull over instantly — pick a safe place, signal, and lift slightly.
• Orange disc: come in even if the car feels fine. Marshals see things you cannot from the driver's seat.
• If you go off: stay in the car with belts on and helmet on unless there is fire, and wait for marshals to direct you back on.