What happens when an F1 race is red flagged?
I · Intermediate · Racing · 3 of 6A red flag suspends the session, shown by flags and orange lights on the gantry. Overtaking stops, the pit exit closes and cars go to the pit lane, where they may be worked on. The race resumes with at least ten minutes' warning, from a standing start or a rolling start behind the safety car.
How it works
- Signal: red flags, orange lights.
- Overtaking: stops.
- Pit exit: closed.
- Cars: to the pit lane.
- Work: allowed.
- Warning: ten minutes.
- Restart: standing or rolling.
- Clock: three hours in all.
The glossary has the red flag, the rolling start, the standing start, the pit lane, the Race Director and the race.
Tricky cases
Can teams change tyres under a red flag?
Yes.
On a rolling restart, when can drivers race?
When the safety car pits; no passing before the line.
Does the two-hour limit stop?
The suspension is added to it, up to three hours in all.
Can a car be repaired?
Yes, in the pit lane.
Why the rule exists
Stopping the race lets the track be cleared or repaired safely.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | Pit lane | L B5.14 |
| Rolling | Behind SC | L B5.15.5 |
| Limit | Three hours | L B2.5.3 |
From the rule book
FIA, 2026 Formula 1 Regulations, Section B: Sporting (issue 7, 25 June 2026), articles B2.5.3, B5.14 and B5.15. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: FIA 2026 F1 Regulations, Sections A and B.