Blue flag use in F1

[numbersix]

Originally Posted by 275 GTB-4

...(it happens in non-F1 races)...

Very good.

[JABWOA]

Originally Posted by TerryD

As I'm not a flaggy. Maybe someone could answer this for me? With the use of Blue flags how can anyone ever un-lap themselves during a race?

The blue flag theoretically means that the lead lap car is approaching you from behind and therefore is faster than you. Therefore, you won't be able to unlap yourself as you're slower. The fun and games begin when you are same speed but wind up with the lead lap car just behind you, say due to pit stop. Then you as a driver need to decide whether you can maintain the gap or increase it, or yield.

F1 does have a unique rule in that under safety car conditions during the race, lapped cars are able to unlap themselves prior to returning to green conditions. Sort of like Nascar's lucky dog but for everyone.