F1 - flags.. what do they mean?
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At every race you can see lots of different flags being waved by
marshals at the side of the track.

The Yellow Flag
===============
This flag simply means danger. If the flag is waved the drivers must
slow down dramatically as the danger is significant. A static flag
warns of a hazard that has not yet been moved out of harms way. Drivers
must not overtake when the yellow flag is in operation.


The Green Flag
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This flag indicates that the danger that any flag was being shown for
is now over and the driver can resume his race in safety (if driving at
190mph can be called safe). This flag also starts the parade lap.


The Black Flag
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"Come in number 5 your time is up!" Put simply if this flag is held
next to a car number, that driver's race is over. The car must pit
within 2 laps and the driver then has to report to the Clerk of the
Course. Usually shown to drivers who overtake on the parade lap (ie
Schumacher at the 1994 British GP) or who break any rule that doesn't
warrant a stop-go.


The White Flag
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This flag warns drivers of slow moving vehicles on the track, usually 
the safety car these days. The drivers must form up behind the safety
car and stay in the same order until the car leaves the track. This is
very rarely seen and it only comes out if conditions are very
dangerous, like at Suzuka in the rain 1994.


The Blue Flag
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This flag is a warning to a driver that another car is trying to lap
them. Held static this means the car is close behind and the driver
would like you to move your mobile roadblock out of his way. If it is
waved it means you are going to cause an accident as the other driver
is doing his best to pass you, possibly dangerously.


The Red Flag
============
Another "Race Over" flag. This time it applies to everyone. The drivers
must return to the pits or startline without overtaking. This
invariable happens if there is a big accident.


The Striped Red and Yellow Flag
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A signal that the track ahead is slippery (most often from leaking oil
or lubricants). Stationary it indicates that you can expect to hit a
slippery patch, waved it means that you are on top of it and probably
about to come off the track.


The Chequered Flag
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The final flag you are likely to see that has any meaning in the race.
Means that the race is over. 

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