Interlagos

Interlagos, 84 years old, always with a fresh look. The racetrack, which has hosted 51 Formula 1 races in its history and welcomed champions from every decade since the 1970s, remains the crown jewel of South American motorsport. It is the only circuit on the continent approved by the FIA for Formula 1, and the latest renovations place it on the same level as classic tracks like Silverstone, Monza, Spa, and others.

The international fame of the track truly began in the 1970s. After a key renovation to adapt its 7.96-kilometer layout for single-seater races, Interlagos saw the rise of Brazil’s first F1 World Champion, Emerson Fittipaldi. Emerson won the 1970 Formula Ford International Championship. In 1971, the same Emerson claimed victory in a Formula 2 race. Interlagos was then ready to host a non-championship F1 race in 1972, won by Carlos Reutemann. But Emerson avenged this by winning the Brazilian GP the following year, now a points-scoring race for the F1 World Championship. Emerson would go on to win again the following year, 1974, in heavy rain, while José Carlos Pace claimed victory in 1975, the only win of his career. Pace, who died in a plane crash in 1977, gave his name to the São Paulo racetrack.

Then, in the 1990s, the track was modified for the return of F1 to São Paulo. The circuit was reduced from 7.9 kilometers to 4.3 kilometers, in line with the category’s requirements. The track became shorter, but the level of difficulty remained. Cars started racing closer together, making the races more exciting for spectators. The renovation was influenced by Ayrton Senna, responsible for designing the iconic Senna’s S curve. Senna showcased his daring and skill with two memorable victories at Interlagos in 1991 and 1993.

From the 1970s until today, Interlagos has become the sporting stage for Brazil’s largest international sporting event, annually hosting the world’s F1 elite, from Jackie Stewart to Michael Schumacher, from Nigel Mansell to Nelson Piquet, from Niki Lauda to Ayrton Senna.

Formula 1 races have brought notable international visitors such as actors Gene Hackman, Ugo Tognazzi, Sydne Rome, Gael Garcia Bernal, Mick Jagger, and others. José Carlos Pace doubled for Al Pacino at Interlagos in the track scenes of the movie Bobby Deerfield, directed by Sydney Pollack, at the 1976 Brazilian Grand Prix. In 1979, it was Beatle George Harrison who made an appearance at the São Paulo racetrack during his visit to Brazil.

At the checkered flag, Pelé, Gisele Bündchen, Rebeca Andrade (the country’s greatest Olympic medalist), and Queen Marta, the football star of the women’s national team, made strong appearances, surrounded by fans since arriving at Interlagos.

Since 2021, the Grand Prix has taken on the name of the city that embraces the racetrack: São Paulo. With a new organization, the event now also emphasizes entertainment, featuring Brazilian musical groups, top performers, and ensuring a blend of modernity and tradition at the event.

The rivalry between Max Verstappen (winner in 2019 and 2023) and Lewis Hamilton (winner in 2018 and 2021) has set the tone for the most recent F1 races at Interlagos. The track and its tradition of great races have ensured the racetrack the right to host the sprint race, the short F1 race on Saturday, since 2021. It is the only circuit to host the sprint race three years in a row, and the fourth will take place in this 2024 season.