Sporting Regulations

Article 27.8

FIA Source

Blue Flags

Chapter: Chapter II - General Undertaking

In Simple Terms

Blue flags tell a driver they're about to be lapped by a faster car. The slower driver must let them through as soon as safely possible. Ignoring blue flags multiple times leads to a penalty - this keeps racing fair for leaders without interference from backmarkers.

  • Shown to cars about to be lapped
  • Must let faster car pass at earliest safe opportunity
  • Ignoring flags results in penalty
  • Three consecutive blue flags triggers investigation
Official FIA Text

Blue flags are used to indicate to a driver that he is about to be lapped and should allow the faster car to pass. A car being lapped must allow the car which is about to lap it past at the earliest opportunity. If a driver ignores repeated blue flags, they may be reported to the stewards.

race controlpenaltiesrace positionsblue flaglappedbackmarkerlappinggive way
2026 Season Regulations