Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace (Interlagos)

Track Info

Location	Sao Paulo, Brazil
Type	Permanent Road Course (anti-clockwise)
Length	4.309 km (2.677 miles)
Turns	15
Capacity	~60,000
Opened	1940 (current shortened layout from 1990)

Track Characteristics

Interlagos - meaning "between the lakes" in Portuguese - is one of the most atmospheric and historically significant circuits in Formula 1. The track runs anti-clockwise, one of few on the calendar to do so, placing unusual physical demands on drivers' necks due to the predominantly left-hand loading. The circuit has significant elevation changes, dropping over 30 meters from the main straight down to the Senna S (Turns 1 and 2) before climbing back up through the long Bico de Pato section.

The Senna S at Turns 1 and 2 is named after Brazil's greatest driver and is a fast, downhill left-right combination that is a prime overtaking spot. Cars arrive at high speed after the main straight and the first corner is often a flashpoint on the opening lap. The long, uphill sequence through Turns 6 to 10 is technically demanding, with the track climbing steadily back toward the main straight. The final corners, including the fast Juncao left-hander, require precision and commitment as they lead onto the main straight for the next DRS-assisted overtaking attempt.

Brazil's passionate motorsport culture means the atmosphere at Interlagos is always electric. The circuit has been the setting for some of the most dramatic championship deciders in F1 history, and the potential for tropical rain to arrive without warning adds an extra layer of unpredictability.

Getting There

Nearest Airport	Sao Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), approximately 40 km north. Congonhas Airport (CGH) is closer at about 15 km but serves mostly domestic flights.
Nearest City	Sao Paulo (the circuit is in the Interlagos district, about 17 km south of the city center)

2026 Event Info

Race Name	Sao Paulo Grand Prix
Round	19 of 22
Sprint Weekend	No
TV	Apple TV

Track Record

Lap Record	1:10.540
Record Holder	Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes, 2018)

Notable Past Races

• 2021: Lewis Hamilton was disqualified from qualifying and took a 5-place engine penalty, starting from 10th. He produced one of the greatest drives in F1 history, overtaking Max Verstappen in a wheel-to-wheel battle on the main straight to win. Hamilton's celebration was one of the most emotional of his career.
• 2012: Sebastian Vettel clinched the championship despite being hit at the start and dropping to last. His recovery drive to sixth was enough to beat Fernando Alonso by three points in one of the closest title fights ever.
• 2008: Lewis Hamilton needed just fifth place to win his first championship but slipped behind as rain fell on the final lap. Timo Glock, on dry tyres, was overtaken by Hamilton at the final corner, giving Hamilton the title by a single point in the most dramatic finish in F1 history.
• 2003: A rain-soaked race ended behind the safety car. The results were confused, with Kimi Raikkonen initially classified as winner before being corrected to Giancarlo Fisichella. One of the most chaotic races ever held.
• 1991: Ayrton Senna won his home Grand Prix despite his gearbox failing on the last few laps. He crossed the line stuck in sixth gear, barely able to hold the trophy on the podium due to physical exhaustion. A legendary performance.

Track Facts

• Interlagos means "between the lakes," referring to the Guarapiranga and Billings reservoirs that flank the circuit.
• The circuit is officially named Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, after the Brazilian F1 driver who won the 1975 Brazilian Grand Prix.
• The anti-clockwise direction puts unusual strain on drivers' right-side neck muscles, the opposite of most circuits.
• More World Championships have been decided at Interlagos than at almost any other circuit, including some of the most dramatic finales in F1 history.
• The circuit was shortened from 7.96 km to its current 4.309 km layout in 1990 for safety and commercial reasons.

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