Interlagos Circuit Guide: Inside F1’s São Paulo Home

Interlagos packs a demanding lap into just 4.309 kilometres. The home of the São Paulo Grand Prix combines changes of elevation, a technical infield and a long uphill acceleration zone, giving teams several competing demands to balance.

Officially named the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, the circuit hosts a 71-lap Grand Prix over 305.879 kilometres. Its compact layout makes the transition between corners particularly important: a mistake can affect more than the section where it happens.

Why the layout rewards a complete car

The lap begins with the downhill Senna S before Curva do Sol carries the cars towards the Reta Oposta and Turn 4.

That opening sequence creates opportunities to race, but the winding middle sector asks a different question. Here, direction changes and changing camber demand precision rather than straight-line speed alone.

Braking errors in the tighter corners can disrupt the rhythm of the entire sequence. The uphill run towards the finish then places particular value on exit speed.

The engineering compromise follows from that layout. Downforce helps through the infield, while excessive drag costs performance on the faster sections. Maximising one part of the lap can leave a car vulnerable elsewhere.

Straight Mode and Overtake Mode in 2026

Straight Mode and Overtake Mode perform different jobs.

Straight Mode reduces aerodynamic drag by adjusting the front and rear wings. Interlagos has two designated sections: the run from after Turn 14 towards Turn 1, and the Reta Oposta between Turns 3 and 4.

Overtake Mode provides additional electrical capability to eligible following drivers. Detection takes place just after Turn 12, with activation beyond Turn 13.

Our 2026 São Paulo GP track-map guide explains those locations and the distinction between the two systems.

How Interlagos became Brazil’s F1 home

Construction began in 1938, with the circuit later welcoming its first World Championship Grand Prix in 1973.

Brazilian drivers won the first three championship races held there. Emerson Fittipaldi took victory in 1973 and 1974, followed by Carlos Pace in 1975.

After a period in which Brazil’s race also visited Jacarepaguá, Interlagos returned in 1990 with a shorter layout following substantial redevelopment.

Valtteri Bottas holds the listed race lap record, 1:10.540, set in 2018.

Watching the São Paulo Grand Prix

The circuit’s bowl-shaped setting gives spectators opportunities to follow more than one section. Grandstand A overlooks the uphill approach and parts of the infield, while Grandstand M offers a view of the first corner and Senna S.

For the 6–8 November event, our 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix timetable lists the practice, qualifying and race times in Brazil’s local timezone.