Relaying information to the drivers on track is an important part of any session in Formula 1, and while driving at high speeds, the visual aid of a flag can be vitally important in quickly warning a driver to any issues or updates to the track conditions.
Marshal posts are dotted around the circuits in various locations where flags cans be used to give a driver an order or warning of a potential hazard or issue up ahead. Although flags are still common, coloured light panels are being used more and more.
Most people will be used to seeing the chequered and red flags during Formula 1 races but there are eight other flags that can be used during a session.
Flags are used by marshals to communicate specific messages to the drivers. Each flag has a different meaning and will relay information to the drivers about things such as an upcoming risk or that the race has finished.
While flags are used in most motorsports to relay important information to drivers, there is no universal system, meaning that some series may use flags in a different way to others. However, most will use a standardised system making them easy to understand, for example the chequered flag is used across all series to signify the end of a session.
The FIA sanctions flags which cover championships such as Formula 1, WEC and WTCC, but are also adopted by other governing bodies such as Motorsport UK.