FIA Race Director Michael Masi believes the black and white flag is serving its purpose in the wake of the battle between Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton in the Italian Grand Prix.
The black and white flag which has recently been reintroduced by Masi is used to warn a driver on the 'unsportsmanlike behaviour'.
Leclerc was shown the flag on lap 24 for failing to leave enough room on the track in his close battle with Hamilton at the Della Roggia chicane.
When asked if he felt Leclerc's increased aggression was a concern, Masi said: "I don’t think aggression is probably the right word. That might be his words but I think is it hard racing? Yes.
"From that perspective, I don’t think you can compare what has happened in those instances versus these. It’s ultimately the stewards’ decision if somebody gets penalised or the bad sportsmanship flag, but if the stewards feel there was more to it then we absolutely have the capability of issuing a penalty and that’s exactly where it sits.
"I think it was hard. The black and white was issued for the reason it was there. It’s quite simple for me and a carbon copy of what Pierre did last weekend in Spa. It achieved its purpose."
Masi felt the warning handed to the Ferrari driver was sufficient given the circumstances of their battle, he also hinted the flag would be used more in similar circumstances should drivers continue to push the limits.
He told Sky Sports: "If there was resultant contact we would have looked at it in a bit more detail, but effectively under the ‘let them race philosophy’ that the teams, the F1 Group, the drivers and the FIA have worked together on throughout the year, and giving the teams the advice at the last event in Spa, we will be using the black and white flag more often – at their request I must say.
"That was a prime incident where everyone continued, black and white flag, motorsport’s version of the yellow card."
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