The spiritual home of Brazilian motorsport
The Autódromo José Carlos Pace — known universally as Interlagos — is one of the most beloved circuits in Formula 1. Located in São Paulo, the 4.309-kilometer track is known for its elevation changes, anti-clockwise direction, and the passionate Brazilian fans who turn the circuit into a sea of yellow and green.
Every driver who has raced at Interlagos rates it among their favorites. The combination of high-speed corners, blind crests, and the electric atmosphere makes it one of the most complete tests of driver skill on the calendar.
The corners that define Interlagos
The Senna S — a fast left-right-left combination named after Ayrton Senna — is the most famous sequence at Interlagos. It tests a car's mechanical grip and a driver's ability to carry momentum through multiple direction changes. The Descida do Lago, a long downhill right-hander that follows the Senna S, is one of the fastest corners in F1 and requires absolute commitment.
The Ferradura and Laranjinha sequence in the middle sector is a flowing, high-speed combination that rewards aerodynamic efficiency. The final sector, with its tight Mergulhinho hairpin and the uphill run to the finish line, is where races are often won and lost.
Why Interlagos produces drama
Interlagos has hosted some of the most dramatic races in F1 history. The 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix, where Hamilton won the championship on the final corner of the final lap, is the most famous. The 2012 race, where Sebastian Vettel clinched his third title after a chaotic wet-dry race, is another.
The circuit's layout contributes to the drama. The long main straight creates DRS overtaking opportunities, while the technical middle sector rewards driver skill. The unpredictable São Paulo weather adds another variable — rain can fall on one part of the circuit while another remains dry.
Interlagos in the 2026 era
In the 2026 era, with lighter cars and less downforce, Interlagos will feel different. The reduced downforce will make the high-speed corners more demanding, and the lighter cars will be more nervous under braking. The anti-clockwise direction, which already places unique demands on drivers' necks, will become even more challenging.
But the fundamental character of Interlagos will remain the same: a circuit that rewards bravery, rewards skill, and produces drama.