In Formula 1, the black and white chequered flag marks the end of a race and the driver who is waved off first with it is the winner. But what does it mean when, as seen several times over the 2025 F1 season, two chequered flags are waved at the conclusion of a grand prix?
This isn’t a joke, attentive viewers of this year’s F1 race finishes may have noticed that at some grands prix, there were indeed two black and white chequered flags waving. In Suzuka, for example, but also in Miami and this weekend at Barcelona, two chequered flags were waved to ring in the end of the race. However, just one of them is the official flag.
“The first flag waved is always the official checkered flag, marked with the FIA logo, which signals the end of the race," explained a spokesperson for the FIA, motorsport’s governing body.
The second flag, waved from the pit wall, has no regulatory function. It is purely a Formula 1 marketing stunt, prominently staged for the cameras.
At the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, for instance, professional footballer Robert Lewandowski had the honour of waving it.
“The concept is similar in spirit to ceremonial kick-offs in other sports, such as football, where guests take part in a symbolic start to the game,” added the FIA spokesperson.
So, what exactly is this second chequered flag about?
“It features the names of fans, allowing them to be part of history by purchasing a square of the flag,” the FIA representative said.
But it doesn’t come cheap. F1 Authentics sells the individual flag panels at various price points. The range is wide: getting your name on the Hungarian GP flag costs €241.95, while a spot on the Las Vegas flag goes for €665.95.
At least there’s more to it than just having your name on a flag. After the race, fans receive a framed memento that includes a photo of the flag being waved in front of the winning car, along with the cut out panel of the original flag - which bears their name - as well as a certificate of authenticity.
So yes, it is a real chequered flag. Just not the chequered flag that officially ends a Formula 1 race.
