Editing Formula One (section)

=== Flags ===
{{main|Racing flags}}
Flags specifications and usage are prescribed by Appendix H of the [[FIA]]'s International Sporting Code.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/appendix_h_2021_published_09_03_2021.pdf|title=FIA International Sporting Code: Appendix H|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510213732/https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/appendix_h_2021_published_09_03_2021.pdf|archive-date=10 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
!Flag
!Name
!Meaning
|-
! rowspan="3" |[[File:Auto Racing Yellow.svg|50px]]
!SC Board
(Safety Car)
|Shown in conjunction with a yellow flag to indicate that the&nbsp;[[Safety Car]]&nbsp;is on track. Full course yellow flag applies. Drivers must hold position and slow down.
|-
!VSC Board
(Virtual Safety Car)
|Shown in conjunction with a yellow flag to indicate that the [[Safety car#Virtual safety car (VSC)|virtual safety car]] is in use. During this time, the drivers are given minimum sector times that they must stay above. Full course double yellow flag applies. The car's time relative to this set time is measured at each marshalling post (approximately every 50&nbsp;m), and the difference is referred to as the car's "delta" time. This delta time is reported to the driver, and must remain positive throughout the VSC period, or else the driver will be penalised.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://jalopnik.com/heres-how-virtual-safety-cars-work-1826237975|title=Here's How Virtual Safety Cars Work in Formula One|last=Westbrook|first=Justin T.|website=Jalopnik|date=22 May 2018|language=en-US|access-date=5 April 2019|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502064719/https://jalopnik.com/heres-how-virtual-safety-cars-work-1826237975|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
!Yellow
|Indicates a hazard on or near the track (waved yellows indicate a hazard&nbsp;''on the track'', frozen yellows indicate a hazard&nbsp;''near the track''). Double waved yellows inform drivers that they must slow down as marshals are working on or near to the track and drivers should be prepared to stop.
|-
![[File:Auto Racing Green.svg|50px]]
!Green
|Normal racing conditions apply. This is usually shown following a yellow flag to indicate that the hazard has been passed. A green flag is shown at all stations for the lap following the end of a full-course yellow (or safety car). A green flag is also shown at the start of a session.
|-
![[File:Auto Racing Oil.svg|50px]]
!Yellow and red striped
|Slippery track, due to oil, water, or loose debris. Can be seen 'rocked' from side to side (not waved) to indicate a small animal on track.
|-
![[File:Auto Racing Plain Blue.svg|50px]]
!Blue
|A blue flag indicates that the driver in front must let faster cars behind them pass because they are being lapped. If the flag is missed 3 times, the driver could be penalised. Accompanied by the driver's number.
|-
![[File:F1 white flag.svg|50px]]
!White
|Indicates that there is a slow car ahead, either a race car or a course vehicle. Often waved at the end of the pit lane when a car is about to leave the pits.
|-
![[File:F1 black flag with orange circle.svg|50px]]
!Black and orange circle
|Car is damaged or has a mechanical problem, must return to the pit lane immediately. Will be accompanied by driver's number
|-
![[File:F1 black and white diagonal flag.svg|50px]]
!Half black half white
|Warns a driver for poor sportsmanship or dangerous behaviour. Can be followed by a Black flag upon further infringement. Accompanied by the driver's number.
|-
![[File:Auto Racing Black.svg|50px]]
!Black
|Driver is disqualified. Will be accompanied by the driver's number. This can be issued after a Half Black Half White flag.
|-
![[File:F1 red flag.svg|50px]]
!Red
|A red flag immediately halts a race or session when conditions become too dangerous to continue.
|-
![[File:F1 chequered flag.svg|50px]]
!Chequered flag
|End of the practice, qualifying, or racing session.
|}

The format of the race has changed little through [[History of Formula One|Formula One's history]]. The main changes have revolved around what is allowed at pit stops. In the early days of Grand Prix racing, a driver would be allowed to continue a race in their teammate's car should theirs develop a problem – in the modern era, cars are so carefully fitted to drivers that this has become impossible. In recent years, the emphasis has been on changing refuelling and tyre change regulations.

Since the 2010 season, refuelling – which was reintroduced in 1994 – has not been allowed, to encourage less tactical racing following safety concerns. The rule requiring both compounds of tyre to be used during the race was introduced in 2007, again to encourage racing on the track. The safety car is another relatively recent innovation that reduced the need to deploy the red flag, allowing races to be completed on time for a growing international live television audience.