During practice, what should you do when a red flag is displayed?

When a red flag is displayed during practice, it indicates that there is a serious situation on the track that requires all drivers to cease driving immediately. The purpose of the red flag is to ensure the safety of competitors and officials. Slowing down and returning to the pit lane is the appropriate response as it allows for the safe management of the situation at hand, whether it be an accident, track obstruction, or any other hazard.

This action not only shows respect for the procedures in place but also guarantees that emergency services can access the track if needed without having to navigate through ongoing traffic. Following this protocol is essential for maintaining safety standards during motorsport events. The other options would compromise safety by either continuing to race or ignoring the flag, which could lead to dangerous situations for both the driver and others on the track.