Interlagos

Interlagos, 86 years old, always looking brand new. The racetrack, which has hosted 53 Formula 1 races throughout its history and welcomed champions from every decade since the 1970s, remains the backbone 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 circuits such as Silverstone, Monza, and Spa, among others.

The international fame of the track truly began in the 1970s. After an essential renovation to adapt the 7,960-meter layout for single-seater racing, Interlagos saw the rise of Brazil’s first Formula 1 World Champion, Emerson Fittipaldi. Emerson won the International Formula Ford Championship in 1970. In 1971, the same Emerson claimed victory in a Formula 2 race. Interlagos was then ready to host a non-championship Formula 1 race in 1972, won by Carlos Reutemann. But Emerson struck back the following year, winning the Brazilian Grand Prix, which by then counted points toward the Formula 1 World Championship. Emerson would win again the following year, in 1974, under heavy rain, with José Carlos Pace taking victory in 1975, the only one of his career. Pace, who died in an air accident in 1977, lends his name to the São Paulo racetrack.

Later, in the 1990s, came the track redesign for the return of Formula 1 to São Paulo. The circuit was shortened from 7.9 kilometers to 4.3 kilometers, in accordance with the category’s requirements. The track became shorter, but the level of difficulty remained. Cars also raced closer together for longer periods, making the races more engaging for the public. The renovation bore the influence of Ayrton Senna, who was responsible for the design of the Senna S, the iconic corner of the layout. Senna showcased his boldness and skill with two memorable victories at Interlagos in 1991 and 1993.

From the 1970s to the present day, Interlagos has become the sporting stage of Brazil’s largest international sporting event, hosting every year the world elite of Formula 1, from Jackie Stewart to Michael Schumacher, from Nigel Mansell to Nelson Piquet, from Niki Lauda to Ayrton Senna.

Formula 1 races brought illustrious international visitors such as actors Gene Hackman, Ugo Tognazzi, Sydne Rome, Gael García Bernal, Mick Jagger, among others. José Carlos Pace served as Al Pacino’s stunt double at Interlagos in the track scenes of the film Bobby Deerfield, directed by Sydney Pollack, during the 1976 Brazilian Formula 1 Grand Prix. In 1979, it was Beatle George Harrison who stood out at the São Paulo racetrack during his visit to Brazil.

At the checkered flags, Pelé, Gisele Bündchen, Rebeca Andrade (the most decorated Olympic medalist in the country’s history), Queen Marta (women’s national football team), and Olympic surfer Gabriel Medina made strong appearances, surrounded by fans from the moment they arrived at Interlagos.

Since 2021, the Grand Prix has carried the name of the city that embraces the racetrack: São Paulo. With new organization, the event also began to emphasize entertainment, highlighting Brazilian music groups and major performers, while ensuring both modernity and tradition.

The rivalry between Max Verstappen (winner in 2019 and 2023) and Lewis Hamilton (winner in 2018 and 2021) set the tone for the most recent Formula 1 races at Interlagos. The layout and the tradition of great races secured the racetrack the right to host the sprint race, Formula 1’s short Saturday race, since 2021. It is the only circuit to host the sprint five times in a row. In 2025, the racetrack once again featured a Brazilian on the grid: Gabriel Bortoleto. The last Brazilian participation had been in 2017, with Felipe Massa. And Lando Norris’s victory was the decisive step toward winning the world title of the season.

Check out the grandstand map at Interlagos.