Russell: Any F1 team should “100%” try to sign Verstappen

An independent investigation eventually cleared Red Bull team principal Christian Horner of any wrongdoing after a female employee made allegations against him.

However, the subsequent and supposed leak of material at the heart of the case and Jos Verstappen claiming the squad will “explode” if Horner remains has led many to believe that Red Bull faces a choice between keeping its F1 boss and star driver.

If Verstappen was to leave, with Ferrari having committed to Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton for 2025, Mercedes would be his most likely destination – Verstappen Sr met with Silver Arrows motorsport boss Toto Wolff throughout the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend.

PLUS: How F1’s mad tea-party driver market could look if Verstappen moves to Mercedes

Russell reckons any F1 team should leap at the opportunity to sign reigning three-time champion Verstappen.

The Briton said: “I think any team wants to have the best driver line-up possible.

“Right now, Max is the best driver on the grid so if any team had a chance to sign Max, they’d 100 percent be taking it.

“I think the question is more on the other side, more on his side and Red Bull’s side.

“Obviously, so much going on there. We don’t know what truly is going on behind closed doors and ultimately, it’s none of our business right now. It will be exciting.”

Race winner Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Race winner Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

Russell and Verstappen have experienced a couple of flashpoints in their competitive relationship, with the Red Bull driver calling his rival a “dickhead” after their collision on the opening lap of last season’s Azerbaijan sprint race.

But Russell is confident he can square up to whomever gets the vacant Mercedes seat, once Hamilton bids the team farewell at the end of the current campaign.

“This is my third season now alongside Lewis, the greatest driver of all time,” Russell said.

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“I feel like I’ve done a pretty good job alongside him. So, whoever were to line up alongside me next year or in the years to come, I welcome anybody, I welcome the challenge.

“You always want to go against the best. But ultimately for me, just focus on myself.

“I believe in myself; I believe I can beat anybody on the grid. You’ve just got to have that mentality.

“Having Lewis as my benchmark for the last couple of years, he’s been a pretty good benchmark.”

 

Gasly sees “positive changes” at Alpine F1 despite “surprise” tech departures

Alpine started the season in Bahrain with the slowest car on the grid after finishing the 2023 season in sixth place.

The Enstone squad soon realised in the simulator that its concept change for 2024 would be a sideways step at first, requiring further upgrades to regain competitiveness.

In the meantime Alpine staff turnover continues as Harman and head of aerodynamics Dirk de Beer both resigned from their positions.

In their place, Alpine announced a three-pronged leadership structure for its revamped technical team.

Despite the short-term pain, Gasly has faith that the changes team boss Bruno Famin is making will pay off on the long-term, although Harman’s resignation came as a surprise to him.

“It’s always a surprise because I’ve been quite close to Matt, coming inside the team, trying to understand a bit the philosophy, understand the changes, we’ve made on this new car;” Gasly said.

“So, obviously, it comes as a bit of a surprise. I obviously knew it slightly before.

“At the end of the day, I’d rather focus on my business. I’m going to drive the car fast and push the team forward and give them clear feedback. And that’s where my energy goes into.”

Pierre Gasly, Alpine A524

Pierre Gasly, Alpine A524

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

When asked if the technical staff overhaul is the right way forward, he replied: “Time will tell.

“I trust in Renault, I trust in Luca [de Meo, Renault CEO], I trust in the people in charge to bring the team forward.

“I know it’s contradictory, but there is a lot of positive change going inside the team.

“In terms of operations, the processes, in the sort of mentality and self reflection we have.

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“In the studies and feedback and reviews of the work we’re doing, I just see that we’re going more into details and we’re trying to really find the last 1% out of everyone, and people are appreciative of that process. And I do see the positive change.

“Obviously, that doesn’t mean we go two tenths faster on the race track right now, because the car doesn’t provide us the grip we need. But then I’m pretty sure what we need to do long term is definitely [find] the direction we have to go in as a team.”

Team-mate Esteban Ocon similarly hoped Famin’s wealth of experience in motorsport would help drive the team forward.

“I have faith in Bruno, in the choices that he is making,” he said.

“I don’t have a crystal ball, but Bruno is someone that has a lot of experience winning in different categories. And that’s very good and very valuable.”

Gasly sees “positive changes” at Alpine F1 despite “surprise” tech departures

Alpine started the season in Bahrain with the slowest car on the grid after finishing the 2023 season in sixth place.

The Enstone squad soon realised in the simulator that its concept change for 2024 would be a sideways step at first, requiring further upgrades to regain competitiveness.

In the meantime Alpine staff turnover continues as Harman and head of aerodynamics Dirk de Beer both resigned from their positions.

In their place, Alpine announced a three-pronged leadership structure for its revamped technical team.

Despite the short-term pain, Gasly has faith that the changes team boss Bruno Famin is making will pay off on the long-term, although Harman’s resignation came as a surprise to him.

“It’s always a surprise because I’ve been quite close to Matt, coming inside the team, trying to understand a bit the philosophy, understand the changes, we’ve made on this new car;” Gasly said.

“So, obviously, it comes as a bit of a surprise. I obviously knew it slightly before.

“At the end of the day, I’d rather focus on my business. I’m going to drive the car fast and push the team forward and give them clear feedback. And that’s where my energy goes into.”

Pierre Gasly, Alpine A524

Pierre Gasly, Alpine A524

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

When asked if the technical staff overhaul is the right way forward, he replied: “Time will tell.

“I trust in Renault, I trust in Luca [de Meo, Renault CEO], I trust in the people in charge to bring the team forward.

“I know it’s contradictory, but there is a lot of positive change going inside the team.

“In terms of operations, the processes, in the sort of mentality and self reflection we have.

Read Also:

“In the studies and feedback and reviews of the work we’re doing, I just see that we’re going more into details and we’re trying to really find the last 1% out of everyone, and people are appreciative of that process. And I do see the positive change.

“Obviously, that doesn’t mean we go two tenths faster on the race track right now, because the car doesn’t provide us the grip we need. But then I’m pretty sure what we need to do long term is definitely [find] the direction we have to go in as a team.”

Team-mate Esteban Ocon similarly hoped Famin’s wealth of experience in motorsport would help drive the team forward.

“I have faith in Bruno, in the choices that he is making,” he said.

“I don’t have a crystal ball, but Bruno is someone that has a lot of experience winning in different categories. And that’s very good and very valuable.”

Williams brings temporary fix for F1 steering wheel glitch

Sargeant was sent skidding off the track at Sakhir last weekend after the brake bias moved unexpectedly and caused him to lock up.

Williams revealed afterwards that the problem had been caused by the brake bias changing in a way that had not been requested.

Team principal James Vowles told Autosport: “With Logan, we have an uncommanded brake bias movement all the way to the front, which is why he went off. The brake bias moved nowhere near where he requested it to be.”

Speaking ahead of the Saudi Arabian GP, Sargeant said the problem had been traced back to an ‘electronic issue’ related to the team’s change of steering wheel design for this year.

“There is a short-term fix for here and a permanent long-term fix coming in Melbourne,” he said.

Sargeant revealed that the problem had actually first come to light in qualifying in Bahrain.

“It wasn’t out of the blue,” he explained about the race issue. “We had the same problem in the second run of quali, but not to the same extent. We obviously thought we fixed it. We didn’t. But certainly, it is fixed for this weekend.”

Logan Sargeant, Williams FW46

Logan Sargeant, Williams FW46

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

Williams has changed its steering wheel design for this year, joining other teams in having the electronic dashboard incorporated into the wheel rather than totally separate.

Sargeant said the revisions had contributed to the problem emerging, but he backed the new wheel design which he said was hugely beneficial in racing.

“It’s quite a huge difference,” he said. “You know, from driving the old one to driving the new one for the first time, it’s very visually different.

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“The feeling of the steering wheel through your hands, through a corner, the way it rotates is very different. And definitely takes some time.

“But I think it’s definitely the right direction. We struggled a lot last year with VSC, safety cars, following delta times, and stuff like that. You need to be able to see it at all times.

“There’s so much that can be won or lost with it, just by being able to see the dash. So I think it’s a very big improvement.”

Ricciardo: RB F1 team “in better place” after addressing Tsunoda tensions

Tsunoda was asked to let Ricciardo past in the closing laps as the Australian was on fresh soft tyres, and potentially in a position to challenge the cars ahead.

Tsunoda queried the call and was reluctant to comply, but he eventually did, and then frustrated to see that Ricciardo didn’t make any further progress. After the flag he made his feelings clear by passing Ricciardo and swerving towards him on the cooldown lap.

Team principal Laurent Mekies tried to calm things down by getting the drivers together and talking through what had transpired.

Ricciardo says the prompt action has left the team in a stronger position than it was previously as the air was quickly cleared.

“What happened at the end of the race, yes, it wasn’t great,” he said. “But actually then two hours later, how we walked out of that meeting, I think actually that put the team in a better place than it was even Saturday morning.

“I think the race situation is something that happened, drivers never like team orders. So a driver maybe doesn’t react straight away, it’s not the first time that’s ever happened. I think that was all pretty clear.

Yuki Tsunoda, RB F1 Team

Yuki Tsunoda, RB F1 Team

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

“I think it was important for us to talk about that, but then also the in-lap, just to kind of be clear that even if it’s heat of the moment, these things can have bigger consequences.

“We talked, personally, privately, doors closed, very openly, transparently. So it was the right thing for us to do. And we left Saturday night, feeling like it’s done.”

Asked by Autosport if it was the first time there had been tension with Tsunoda since they became team-mates in the second half of 2023, Ricciardo said: “We only had a few races, but I think it was all pretty smooth last year.

“I say last year as if ‘Okay, well, this year, there’s going to be problems.’ Obviously, there was that little thing on the weekend.

“But I think if we didn’t address it, and he kind of stomped off and left the track and whatever, then okay, you’d say, alright, this is an issue. But I think we were both very willing to sit in a room together and just talk it through. So I think that was important.”

Ricciardo admitted Tsunoda’s move on the in-lap came as a surprise.

“It did, and that’s why obviously I came on the radio,” he said. “I was like, ‘Alright, what the hell’s going on here?’ I said a few things, but I tried to also stop myself, because I know everything gets broadcast!

Daniel Ricciardo, RB F1 Team

Daniel Ricciardo, RB F1 Team

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

“I knew it was something that we would discuss once the helmets are off, and maybe the heart rates come down a little. But I think the team handled it really well after the race, in terms of getting us together, making sure that nothing was left on the table.

“We left that room feeling like there was no more any sides or feelings of like, I got hard done by, or there’s a bit of animosity, like none of that. It’s also race one, so you can’t have any of this. So I think the team handled us very well after it.”

Ricciardo agreed that the situation reflected well on the new leadership of the team under Mekies and CEO Peter Bayer.

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“Honestly, I was curious to see how it was going be dealt with,” he said. “Because it’s one of those ones where as race car drivers we’re stubborn. And sometimes like, ‘Ah, screw this, I’m just walking away, and they’ll deal with it.’

“But I think the fact that we got brought into a room and just talked about it, and it was very calm, it was very composed, it was no pointing fingers. It was just, let’s talk about this.

“We know that when we leave this room, we feel a lot better about it and know that we go to Saudi with absolutely no hangover or whatever from this little incident. So that was good.”

Former Alpine F1 veteran Bell joins Aston Martin

F1 veteran Bell’s official job title will be executive director – technical, which means he will oversee the technical, engineering and performance functions of the Silverstone squad, reporting directly to team principal Mike Krack.

Bell’s appointment further shores up Aston’s technical department, led by technical director Dan Fallows, as it aims to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes on a more regular basis following a big step forward in 2023.

“I have been impressed by the progress Aston Martin has made in recent years,” Bell said on his appointment.

“The opportunity to play my part in that journey is incredibly exciting and I look forward to working with the great technical leaders at Silverstone.

“The scale and ambition of this project is highly motivating. I am a racer, and I see the hunger and determination powering this team. I look forward to playing my part with Mike and the rest of the team.”

Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing AMR24

Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing AMR24

Photo by: Erik Junius

Krack commented: “I am delighted to welcome Bob Bell to Aston Martin. This is a key appointment to ensure we are optimising everything we do as a team and focusing on the right performance areas.

“Bob’s track record in the sport speaks for itself and his experience will help us continue to make steps forward on the exciting journey we are on.”

Read Also:

Bell has been a highly-respected paddock figure for over four decades since joining McLaren as an aerodynamicist.
The now 65-year-old from Belfast went on to join the Enstone squad in 1997 in its Benetton days, returning to Renault following a spell at Jordan, acting as the team’s technical director in its championship winning years with Fernando Alonso.

He left Renault again for stints at Mercedes and Marussia, before joining a third time in 2016, taking up a more advisory role in recent years.

Former Alpine F1 veteran Bell joins Aston Martin

F1 veteran Bell’s official job title will be executive director – technical, which means he will oversee the technical, engineering and performance functions of the Silverstone squad, reporting directly to team principal Mike Krack.

Bell’s appointment further shores up Aston’s technical department, led by technical director Dan Fallows, as it aims to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes on a more regular basis following a big step forward in 2023.

“I have been impressed by the progress Aston Martin has made in recent years,” Bell said on his appointment.

“The opportunity to play my part in that journey is incredibly exciting and I look forward to working with the great technical leaders at Silverstone.

“The scale and ambition of this project is highly motivating. I am a racer, and I see the hunger and determination powering this team. I look forward to playing my part with Mike and the rest of the team.”

Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing AMR24

Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing AMR24

Photo by: Erik Junius

Krack commented: “I am delighted to welcome Bob Bell to Aston Martin. This is a key appointment to ensure we are optimising everything we do as a team and focusing on the right performance areas.

“Bob’s track record in the sport speaks for itself and his experience will help us continue to make steps forward on the exciting journey we are on.”

Read Also:

Bell has been a highly-respected paddock figure for over four decades since joining McLaren as an aerodynamicist.
The now 65-year-old from Belfast went on to join the Enstone squad in 1997 in its Benetton days, returning to Renault following a spell at Jordan, acting as the team’s technical director in its championship winning years with Fernando Alonso.

He left Renault again for stints at Mercedes and Marussia, before joining a third time in 2016, taking up a more advisory role in recent years.

What do the different colour flags mean in F1? Everything to know about the 10 flags

Relaying information to the drivers on track is an important part of any session in Formula 1, and while driving at high speeds, the visual aid of a flag can be vitally important in quickly warning a driver to any issues or updates to the track conditions.

Marshal posts are dotted around the circuits in various locations where flags cans be used to give a driver an order or warning of a potential hazard or issue up ahead. Although flags are still common, coloured light panels are being used more and more.

Most people will be used to seeing the chequered and red flags during Formula 1 races but there are eight other flags that can be used during a session.

Why are flags used in F1?

Flags are used by marshals to communicate specific messages to the drivers. Each flag has a different meaning and will relay information to the drivers about things such as an upcoming risk or that the race has finished.

While flags are used in most motorsports to relay important information to drivers, there is no universal system, meaning that some series may use flags in a different way to others. However, most will use a standardised system making them easy to understand, for example the chequered flag is used across all series to signify the end of a session.

The FIA sanctions flags which cover championships such as Formula 1, WEC and WTCC, but are also adopted by other governing bodies such as Motorsport UK.

Flags used in Formula 1

Chequered flag

Chequered flag

Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images

Chequered Flag

The chequered flag is one of the most noticeable flags in many motorsport series. It is waved along the start/finish straight and marks the end of any session or race.

The chequered flag is waved until all the competing cars have crossed the finish line, this signals to the drivers that the session is over, and they must slow to a safe speed and return to the pitlane.

Red Flag

A red flag signals that a session has been suspended due to a serious accident or unsafe conditions due to situations like poor weather or a track malfunction. This tells drivers that they must significantly slow down and make their way back to the pitlane.

A red flag also serves as a warning to drivers that there could be an upcoming hazard on track, including service vehicles or other cars.

Drivers are prohibited from overtaking, due to safety reasons. If a race is restarted, drivers will line up at the end of the pitlane in the order prescribed by race control, which is commonly the order they were in as the red flag was waved.

While under red flag conditions, teams are allowed to make repairs to the cars, but must be like for like parts.

Marshals wave a yellow flag and deploy the Safety Car board

Marshals wave a yellow flag and deploy the Safety Car board

Photo by: Carl Bingham / Motorsport Images

Yellow Flag

A yellow flag is used to warn drivers of a hazard on or near the track. The meaning of a yellow flag also depends on whether there is a singular or double yellow flag being waved.

Both varieties of the flag indicate to drivers that they must reduce their speed and not overtake, with a single yellow flag indicating a hazard beside or partly on the track. A pair of yellow flags warns a driver that they need to be prepared to change direction or even stop because the upcoming hazard is fully or partly blocking the track.

The yellow flag also warns drivers that there is the potential for marshals to be on or near the circuit.
Drivers must obey yellow flag conditions until a green flag is displayed, which signals that the area is clear or the hazard has been removed. A driver can also be punished if they continue under race conditions when passing a yellow flag.

During a practice or qualifying session, a driver must prove they did not attempt to set a faster lap time through the effected area.

Green Flag

The green flag indicates that the track is clear and that any incident causing a yellow or red flag has been resolved. This flag tells drivers that a normal session has resumed, and they can increase their speed and proceed with any overtakes.

Marshals wave the blue flag

Marshals wave the blue flag

Photo by: Sutton Images

Blue Flag

A blue flag in a race tells a driver that they are about to be lapped by a faster car that is looking to overtake. This means that the slower driver must allow the quicker car to pass and lap them at the next opportunity.

A blue flag can also be shown in practice and qualifying to tell drivers a faster car is approaching and is preparing to overtake. This will happen if a driver is running a cool down lap while another driver needs to pass on their flying lap.

It can also be used to warn a driver leaving the pitlane that a faster car is approaching on the track. A driver can risk being given a penalty if they ignore three successive blue flags.

Black and White Flag

A black and white flag warns a driver about unsportsmanlike behaviour. The flag sees both colours divided diagonally and is held motionless alongside a driver’s number to indicate who has received the warning.

If a driver ignores the black and white flag and continues their behaviour, then they will face a penalty.

Black Flag

Black flags are rarely seen in Formula 1, but are used to tell a driver that they have been disqualified and must return back to the pits. This will only be waved at a driver following a decision from the race stewards.

The black flag will be waved, alongside the driver’s number to indicate who has been disqualified.
The last black flag to be shown was the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix, where both Felipe Massa and Giancarlo Fisichella were disqualified for leaving the pitlane when the red light was still on.

Black and Orange Flag

The black and orange flag consists of a solid black background with an orange circle. The flag warns drivers that their car has damage or a mechanical issue which could be a potential danger to themselves or other drivers.

This tells drivers that they must return to the pit at the end of that lap. If the chief scrutineer is then satisfied that the team has resolved the issue, then the car will be allowed to rejoin the session.

White Flag

The white flag will be used to warn drivers that a slower vehicle is up ahead and could be a potential hazard. This could be a service vehicle or a medical car, which moves much slower than an F1 car.

A white flag can also be seen at the end of a practice session, where drivers will stop on the grid to practice a race start. This warns drivers going at full speed to begin to slow down and prepare for cars up ahead.

Marshals wave the yellow and red striped flags

Marshals wave the yellow and red striped flags

Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Images

Yellow and Red Striped Flag

A yellow and red flag warns drivers of a change to the track surface. It is most commonly used to indicate a slippery surface, such as oil or water on the track following the flag.

This flag indicates to the driver that they need to reduce their speed and be aware that the tyre’s grip could change. A yellow and red flag warns drivers to be careful in that section to avoid the risk of losing control of their car.

Light panels

Warning light panels were made mandatory in 2022 to help aid the use of flags. The panels are used to display a variety of information to drivers including whether a safety or virtual safety car has been deployed or if the pitlane is closed.

The light panels can also display weather status updates – such as telling the drivers if it is raining – which will help them adjust their driving. They can also be used to display flag information by flashing the colour of the flag being waved, such as a yellow or red flag warning.

FIA homologated light panel

FIA homologated light panel

Photo by: Uncredited

What do the different colour flags mean in F1? Everything to know about the 10 flags

Relaying information to the drivers on track is an important part of any session in Formula 1, and while driving at high speeds, the visual aid of a flag can be vitally important in quickly warning a driver to any issues or updates to the track conditions.

Marshal posts are dotted around the circuits in various locations where flags cans be used to give a driver an order or warning of a potential hazard or issue up ahead. Although flags are still common, coloured light panels are being used more and more.

Most people will be used to seeing the chequered and red flags during Formula 1 races but there are eight other flags that can be used during a session.

Why are flags used in F1?

Flags are used by marshals to communicate specific messages to the drivers. Each flag has a different meaning and will relay information to the drivers about things such as an upcoming risk or that the race has finished.

While flags are used in most motorsports to relay important information to drivers, there is no universal system, meaning that some series may use flags in a different way to others. However, most will use a standardised system making them easy to understand, for example the chequered flag is used across all series to signify the end of a session.

The FIA sanctions flags which cover championships such as Formula 1, WEC and WTCC, but are also adopted by other governing bodies such as Motorsport UK.

Flags used in Formula 1

Chequered flag

Chequered flag

Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images

Chequered Flag

The chequered flag is one of the most noticeable flags in many motorsport series. It is waved along the start/finish straight and marks the end of any session or race.

The chequered flag is waved until all the competing cars have crossed the finish line, this signals to the drivers that the session is over, and they must slow to a safe speed and return to the pitlane.

Red Flag

A red flag signals that a session has been suspended due to a serious accident or unsafe conditions due to situations like poor weather or a track malfunction. This tells drivers that they must significantly slow down and make their way back to the pitlane.

A red flag also serves as a warning to drivers that there could be an upcoming hazard on track, including service vehicles or other cars.

Drivers are prohibited from overtaking, due to safety reasons. If a race is restarted, drivers will line up at the end of the pitlane in the order prescribed by race control, which is commonly the order they were in as the red flag was waved.

While under red flag conditions, teams are allowed to make repairs to the cars, but must be like for like parts.

Marshals wave a yellow flag and deploy the Safety Car board

Marshals wave a yellow flag and deploy the Safety Car board

Photo by: Carl Bingham / Motorsport Images

Yellow Flag

A yellow flag is used to warn drivers of a hazard on or near the track. The meaning of a yellow flag also depends on whether there is a singular or double yellow flag being waved.

Both varieties of the flag indicate to drivers that they must reduce their speed and not overtake, with a single yellow flag indicating a hazard beside or partly on the track. A pair of yellow flags warns a driver that they need to be prepared to change direction or even stop because the upcoming hazard is fully or partly blocking the track.

The yellow flag also warns drivers that there is the potential for marshals to be on or near the circuit.
Drivers must obey yellow flag conditions until a green flag is displayed, which signals that the area is clear or the hazard has been removed. A driver can also be punished if they continue under race conditions when passing a yellow flag.

During a practice or qualifying session, a driver must prove they did not attempt to set a faster lap time through the effected area.

Green Flag

The green flag indicates that the track is clear and that any incident causing a yellow or red flag has been resolved. This flag tells drivers that a normal session has resumed, and they can increase their speed and proceed with any overtakes.

Marshals wave the blue flag

Marshals wave the blue flag

Photo by: Sutton Images

Blue Flag

A blue flag in a race tells a driver that they are about to be lapped by a faster car that is looking to overtake. This means that the slower driver must allow the quicker car to pass and lap them at the next opportunity.

A blue flag can also be shown in practice and qualifying to tell drivers a faster car is approaching and is preparing to overtake. This will happen if a driver is running a cool down lap while another driver needs to pass on their flying lap.

It can also be used to warn a driver leaving the pitlane that a faster car is approaching on the track. A driver can risk being given a penalty if they ignore three successive blue flags.

Black and White Flag

A black and white flag warns a driver about unsportsmanlike behaviour. The flag sees both colours divided diagonally and is held motionless alongside a driver’s number to indicate who has received the warning.

If a driver ignores the black and white flag and continues their behaviour, then they will face a penalty.

Black Flag

Black flags are rarely seen in Formula 1, but are used to tell a driver that they have been disqualified and must return back to the pits. This will only be waved at a driver following a decision from the race stewards.

The black flag will be waved, alongside the driver’s number to indicate who has been disqualified.
The last black flag to be shown was the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix, where both Felipe Massa and Giancarlo Fisichella were disqualified for leaving the pitlane when the red light was still on.

Black and Orange Flag

The black and orange flag consists of a solid black background with an orange circle. The flag warns drivers that their car has damage or a mechanical issue which could be a potential danger to themselves or other drivers.

This tells drivers that they must return to the pit at the end of that lap. If the chief scrutineer is then satisfied that the team has resolved the issue, then the car will be allowed to rejoin the session.

White Flag

The white flag will be used to warn drivers that a slower vehicle is up ahead and could be a potential hazard. This could be a service vehicle or a medical car, which moves much slower than an F1 car.

A white flag can also be seen at the end of a practice session, where drivers will stop on the grid to practice a race start. This warns drivers going at full speed to begin to slow down and prepare for cars up ahead.

Marshals wave the yellow and red striped flags

Marshals wave the yellow and red striped flags

Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Images

Yellow and Red Striped Flag

A yellow and red flag warns drivers of a change to the track surface. It is most commonly used to indicate a slippery surface, such as oil or water on the track following the flag.

This flag indicates to the driver that they need to reduce their speed and be aware that the tyre’s grip could change. A yellow and red flag warns drivers to be careful in that section to avoid the risk of losing control of their car.

Light panels

Warning light panels were made mandatory in 2022 to help aid the use of flags. The panels are used to display a variety of information to drivers including whether a safety or virtual safety car has been deployed or if the pitlane is closed.

The light panels can also display weather status updates – such as telling the drivers if it is raining – which will help them adjust their driving. They can also be used to display flag information by flashing the colour of the flag being waved, such as a yellow or red flag warning.

FIA homologated light panel

FIA homologated light panel

Photo by: Uncredited

Leclerc thought Vasseur would need more time to change Ferrari

Former Renault and Sauber F1 team principal Vasseur took control of the Scuderia in December 2022, when he was named as the replacement for Mattia Binotto.

During his tenure, Vasseur has confirmed Enrico Cardile as Ferrari’s new technical director, replaced Laurent Mekies as racing director and, most notably, lured seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton away from Mercedes to join the famous squad from 2025.

OPINION: The risks in Hamilton’s Ferrari F1 move

Given Vasseur has been ringing out the changes, Leclerc says it has taken less time than expected for the new boss to understand how the team functions before stamping his own identity.

Asked about how much Ferrari has changed under Vasseur, Leclerc replied: “A lot. When Fred arrived, I was expecting him to take a bit of time before actually setting up in this new position.

“It’s a huge team with so much history – there are things that are being done exactly the same way since 15 to 20 years. So, when you get there, you need to understand how people work, the Italian people, and just the way that a team like Ferrari works.

“I think Fred understood very, very quickly, and put his vision into the team very quickly, and has very clear ideas on what he wants to achieve and how to achieve those things.”

Frederic Vasseur, Team Principal and General Manager, Scuderia Ferrari

Frederic Vasseur, Team Principal and General Manager, Scuderia Ferrari

Photo by: Erik Junius

Vasseur, who ran the ART Grand Prix team with which Hamilton won the GP2 Series crown in 2006, also enjoys a long-standing relationship with Leclerc.

The Monegasque raced for Vasseur’s ART concern on his way to the GP2 Series title spoils in 2016 before reuniting with him at Sauber upon his 2018 graduation to F1.

Leclerc added that this rapport allowed the pair to enjoy an honest working relationship and that he was “fully aligned” with Vasseur’s plan to bring about success.

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He continued: “Obviously, I have a very good relationship with Fred and we’ve always been very open in the way we wanted to confront things and in the way we wanted to approach this new way of working.

“I’m fully aligned with the vision that Fred has for the team medium-, long-term. This has also been part of my discussions when I wanted to renew that contract.

“As much as I’m in love with Ferrari and I think everybody knows that, it was important for me to be re-signing in a team that I trust. And that definitely was the case.”