What flag pattern is waved to signal the finish of a Formula 1 race?

A chequered flag is waved to signal the finish of a Formula 1 race. The black-and-white pattern marks the end of the race session when the leading car reaches the required distance or time.

Under Formula 1 sporting regulations, the flag is shown at the finish line as soon as the leader has completed the full race distance. Cars then complete their laps and proceed to parc fermé, where officials inspect them before the result becomes final subject to penalties or other rulings.

The chequered flag is different from the other major racing flags. Blue warns a driver of a faster car or a lapping car, yellow signals danger and restricts overtaking, while red stops or suspends a session. The spelling varies by region: “chequered” is standard in British usage, while “checkered” is common in American English.