Learn Formula One: Part 2

The second installment of a series which is intended to help people who are newcomers or maybe even just curious about Formula One to understand what is going on and what all the fuss is about. With any luck at all, next time you flick onto a race you will understand a little of what you're seeing.

This edition is a step up from part one which was a basic outline of the racing and the cars involved.

Flags.

Formula One races, like almost all forms of motorsportare controlled by different coloured flags. These flags will appear at the side of the circuit waved by course marshals. Green flags appear after wreckage or debris from an accident has been cleared. It indicates that normal racing and overtaking is allowed. A yellow flag will be waved if a car becomes stranded or there is an accident in the race. Overtaking is not allowed in an area where yellow flags are shown. Sometimes two yellow flags will be waved. This informs drivers that there are marshals on the circuit and that they should actively slow down and be prepared to actually stop where they are.

Other flags which are shown in Grands Prix are those such as the black flag, which indicates that the driver shown it must return to the pits, they have been disqualified. A black and white striped flag is rarely used but it acts as a warning for particularly robust drivers who are behaving unsportingly. A black flag with an orange spot in the centre indicates a driver has damage to their car which may be a hazard, they must return to the pit lane to have it removed.

A blue flag will be shown to backmarkers who are about to be lapped by faster cars. Slower drivers may pass three of these flags before a penalty is imposed on them. Marshals will show this flag at pit lane exits as well to inform a driver leaving the lane that a faster car is approaching. When oil, debris or rain is on the circuit unexpectedly marshals will inform drivers the circuit is slippery with a red and yellow striped flag. The chequered flag signifies that the race or current session has ended. A red flag will stop the race or session, whether it has come to an end or not.

Pit Lane.

The pit lane contains all of the equipment and the personnel which make up the team during a race or session. Drivers can make pit stops in the race to change their tyres and refuel their cars. Drivers may not enter the pit lane if the red lights are on or if the safety car his just been deployed. Each team has a pit box where the car stops to receive service. Only one car may stop at a time from each team. Team pit crews may only come into the box when their car is coming in on that lap. Formula One cars are limited to a speed limit in the pit lane, at most race tracks the speed limit is 50mph.

Pit Stops.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?