Red Flag in F1: When and Why Are They Used?

Over the years, F1 has often prioritized waving red flags over a session rather than yellow under any circumstances. And of course, some of the fingers might point to one of the most heartbreaking stories in the sport – the passing of Jules Bianchi.

The late Frenchman’s fatal crash happened under yellow flags, which raised questions behind reluctance in halting a session. Since then, the usage of red flags has gone up a notch. But there are certain viewers that may be unaware of the protocols that rest behind waving a red flag.

When will the stewards prefer using a red flag during practice?

Let’s start with the practice sessions. Since the session’s duration is based on time rather than the number of laps, the stewards often prefer bringing out the red flag, which will consequently stop the clock. The same goes for qualifying as well.

However, it depends on the severity of the incident. Consider a scenario where a driver crashes his car into the barriers but manages to keep the engine running and limps into the garage. In that case, yellow flags will remain in place for a brief moment while the stewards clear out the debris.

On the other hand, if the crash is heavy, and the driver fails to keep the car running, the stewards can temporarily call off the session. In the meantime, a tow truck will arrive on the scene to carry the damaged car off the track while marshals clear off the debris and do a routine check-up on whether the barrier needs repairing.

Also, if the crash is significant enough to startle the driver, a medical car or even an ambulance will show up and offer the driver a lift to the medical center. The DNF could also be due to a technical or mechanical failure to the car, in which case the driver will have to park his car in a random part of the track.

Red flag during the F1 race

The protocols are pretty much similar to the ones used over practice sessions. Only in this case, the stewards usually exploit the freedom of choosing a safety car.

However, a red flag will become mandatory if a tow truck is required to show up on the track. Hence, the drivers will have to park in the pit lane according to their track position.

And as always, in the meantime, marshals will jump into action, and sweep off the debris and repair the barriers if necessary.

Freedom for F1 teams under red flag

There is abundant freedom for the teams and their drivers when a race comes to a stop. It isn’t necessary that a driver must remain in the car until the lights go green. Instead, the pilots are allowed to step out of the car and can stay in their respective garages.

They can even have talks with the crew regarding any strategical changes or take a look at the race data. Meanwhile, the pit crew, if needed, can change the tires on the car or repair any damages as well, which most likely revolves around the front wing, floor, or barge boards, which in most cases, are repairable.

Race start procedure after a red flag

As lights at the pit lane exit go green, the cars will join the track behind the safety car and will have to drive around the circuit.

However, as the final corner approaches, the safety car will leave the train and enter the pit lane, while the racing cars will slot themselves onto the grid according to the existing track position. The follows the usual race start procedure, starting with five lights and out.

There was a time when F1 had opted for running start over standing starts after red flagging. However, in recent times, standing starts have been the go-to option for the stewards, which adds more spice to the race.

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