Formula 1 drivers told to abandon laps for double waved yellow flags

Formula 1 drivers have been told they must abandon their lap if they encounter a double waved yellow flag during practice and qualifying

The issue was raised during Friday's drivers' briefing in Malaysia and follows Sergio Perez being given a combined eight-place grid penalty in Singapore for "failing to slow sufficiently" and overtaking under yellow flags in qualifying.

Appendix H of the sporting code says in such a situation: "Reduce your speed significantly, do not overtake, and be prepared to change direction or stop if there is a hazard wholly or partly blocking the track and/or marshals working on or beside the track."

To clarify the rule, FIA race director Charlie Whiting sent a note to team managers in Malaysia stating what was expected of drivers in such a situation.

This applies with immediate effect and the international sporting code will be adjusted accordingly.

"Any driver passing through a double waved yellow marshalling sector must reduce speed significantly and be prepared to change direction or stop," said the note.

"In order for the stewards to be satisfied that any such driver has complied with these requirements it must be clear that he has not attempted to set a meaningful lap time.

"For practical purposes this means the driver should abandon the lap.

"This does not necessarily mean he has to pit as the track could well be clear the following lap."

In the case of a single waved yellow flag, it said "Drivers should reduce their speed and be prepared to change direction.

"It must be clear that a driver has reduced speed and, in order for this to be clear, a driver would be expected to have braked earlier and/or discernibly reduced speed in the relevant marshalling sector.

"Drivers should not overtake any car in a single waved yellow marshalling sector unless it is clear that a car is slowing with a completely obvious problem, e.g. obvious accident damage or a deflated tyre."

Previously, Whiting had suggested qualifying sessions would be red-flagged if a situation arises where double-waved yellows are required.

But it is believed that is an option open to the stewards rather than protocol for every double-waved yellow flag.