A blue flag in Formula 1 is shown to a driver who is about to be lapped by a faster car that is at least one full lap ahead of them. It is a signal that they must allow the faster car to pass without blocking or impeding it. Drivers are given a limited number of blue flag warnings before they face a time penalty. Blue flags are waved trackside and also shown on the driver’s steering wheel display.
Example: Blue flags are out for the backmarkers — the leaders will be wanting clear track as they come through.
Blue flags are only shown to drivers being lapped by the race leader — they are not shown simply because a faster car is approaching during normal racing.
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