Article B5.5.1
Start Announcement Signals
Sporting Regulations
Article B5.5.1
Start Announcement Signals
Chapter: B5
In Simple Terms
Before a race starts, F1 officials give drivers warning signals at set intervals—10 minutes, 5 minutes, 3 minutes, 1 minute, and 15 seconds before the formation lap begins. Each signal includes both a visual display and an audible (sound) warning so drivers know the race is about to start.
- Five countdown signals are given before the formation lap starts
- Signals occur at 10, 5, 3, 1 minutes and 15 seconds before the start
- Each signal includes both a visual display and an audible warning sound
- These announcements help drivers prepare for the race start
Official FIA Text
The approach of the start of a TTCS will be announced by signals shown ten (10) minutes, five (5) minutes, three (3) minutes, one (1) minute and fifteen (15) seconds before the start of the formation lap, each of which will be accompanied by an audible warning.
start signalsformation lapcountdownaudible warningrace start procedure
2026 Season Regulations