How are drivers advised that the safety car is on the track?

The presence of the safety car on the track is communicated to drivers primarily through yellow flags or lights, along with the display of an 'SC' board. Yellow flags indicate that there is a hazard on the track and that drivers should exercise caution. The 'SC' board specifically denotes that the safety car has been deployed, advising drivers that they need to reduce their speed, remain in formation, and avoid overtaking.

This method of communication is standardized in motorsport to ensure that all drivers are aware of the situation simultaneously and can react appropriately to maintain safety during the race. Using yellow flags and an 'SC' board provides a clear visual signal that is understood by all participants, making it very effective for conveying critical information during a race.

In contrast, while team radio is a potential means of communication, it does not serve all drivers equally, as it relies on direct communication from their teams rather than a standardized signal. The other options like red flags and banners are not used in this context; red flags signal the stopping of the race rather than the introduction of a safety car, and a specific banner does not exist in this context.