Arm in the air, what does it mean?

[fjohns]

Can anyone speak with certainty? Cannot find it on the open internet. A race has been on for awhile and cars are about to be lapped. Suddenly, an about-to-be-lapped driver shoots his arm in the air! What does it mean and for how long has such a practice existed? Any concrete source? Thank you.

Trivial note: Went to the '64 French Grand Prix and also the 24 Hour Le Mans.

Fred

[Parabolica]

It either indicates that the driver has a problem and is touring, or, in the case of being lapped, is generally to show the leaders that he is showing them he is aware of them and which side they should pass as he will give them space there.

[steveaki13]

It either indicates that the driver has a problem and is touring, or, in the case of being lapped, is generally to show the leaders that he is showing them he is aware of them and which side they should pass as he will give them space there.

Pretty much this.

[TMorel]

not that it's ever been used to "acknowledge" a blue (or yellow flag) to the marshals but the driver still keeps their foot down...

[steveaki13]

Mika Hakkinen was a driver who always put his hand up to marshalls and stewards making out he was slowing down for yellow flags, while he kept on flat out.

[555-04Q2]

Arm in the air could also be a driver "flippin the bird" to another one :p :

[Mark]

Mika Hakkinen was a driver who always put his hand up to marshalls and stewards making out he was slowing down for yellow flags, while he kept on flat out.

I seem to recall a similar incident with Schumacher in qualifying who put his hand up to acknowledge a yellow flag but said that he chose not to slow down because he could see the situation was clear. A situation the stewards took a dim view of.

[steveaki13]

I seem to recall a similar incident with Schumacher in qualifying who put his hand up to acknowledge a yellow flag but said that he chose not to slow down because he could see the situation was clear. A situation the stewards took a dim view of.

Yer Rightly so.

Cant recall if Hakkinen was ever penalized for his offenses?

[jens]

Yer Rightly so.

Cant recall if Hakkinen was ever penalized for his offenses?

I remember Häkkinen taking pole under yellow flags, though he put his arm in the air. Monaco 1999 it was. Nowadays this lap would surely get cancelled though.

[anfield5]

If it's two arms in the air it could be the Team America universal distress signal?