Short, intense and full of history, Interlagos is one of Formula 1’s most exciting circuits. The racing is unpredictable, the weather can change in minutes, and the Brazilian fans create a fantastic atmosphere. If you’re looking for close racing, passionate fans and a Grand Prix where anything can happen, Brazil is hard to beat.
What to expect in this guide
• Why the Brazilian Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket list • Where is the circuit for the Brazilian Grand Prix? • How to get to São Paulo for the Brazilian Grand Prix • How many days do you need for the Brazilian Grand Prix? • Brazilian Grand Prix weekend schedule • Best places to stay for the Brazilian Grand Prix • Best grandstands at the Interlagos Circuit • Where to go after the Brazilian Grand Prix • Best booking resources for F1 trips • Money-saving tips for the Brazilian Grand Prix • Frequently asked questions
Estimated Reading Time: 5-6 minutes
Why the Brazilian Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket list
The Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, officially known as Autódromo José Carlos Pace, is one of Formula 1’s great races. Fast straights, tight corners and dramatic elevation changes make for exciting, unpredictable racing, while the passionate Brazilian fans add to the atmosphere.
At just 4.309km, Interlagos is one of the shortest circuits in Formula 1, yet drivers spend nearly 70% of the lap at full throttle. The famous Senna S at Turn 1 is one of the circuit’s best overtaking spots, often producing plenty of action on the opening lap.
Pierre Gasly knows the circuit well. “The track is iconic and has special memories for me as the location of my first podium back in 2019. The circuit is one of the shortest of the year and has a very nice flow, which makes it great fun in the car.”
First-lap chaos at Turn 1
The atmosphere at Interlagos is something special. Brazilian fans bring a real sense of excitement to the weekend, creating a carnival atmosphere that rivals the Mexican Grand Prix. As Alex Albon puts it, “It’s great seeing how passionate the fans are there, which makes it a great place to go racing.”
Brazilian fans turn Interlagos into a weekend-long carnival
Interlagos has produced some of Formula 1’s most memorable moments, from Senna’s emotional home victory in 1991 to Hamilton’s dramatic last-lap championship win in 2008. Even when the title isn’t at stake, there’s often plenty of action on track.
The 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix saw Senna take a heroic home win in dramatic style
If you’re looking for a Grand Prix that combines exciting racing with passionate fans, São Paulo is hard to beat. Whether you’re watching the action through the Senna S or along the main straight, Interlagos is a fantastic place to experience Formula 1 in person.
Where is the circuit for the Brazilian Grand Prix?
Interlagos is located around 20km south of central São Paulo and is one of the more accessible circuits on the Formula 1 calendar. Fans can reach the circuit using public transport, including trains and shuttle services on race weekend.
The Interlagos circuit in São Paulo
How to get to São Paulo for the Brazilian Grand Prix
Getting to São Paulo for the Grand Prix is relatively straightforward, with direct flights from major cities across Europe, North America and South America.
Most international visitors arrive at São Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU), around 25km from the city centre. Taxis, ride-sharing services and airport shuttles are available for the journey into the city.
Many nationalities can visit Brazil without a visa, but entry requirements and permitted lengths of stay vary. Check the requirements for your nationality before booking your trip.
How many days do you need for the Brazilian Grand Prix?
I’d recommend spending all three days at Interlagos, from Friday to Sunday. That way, you can enjoy every Formula 1 session, along with the support races and other activities throughout the weekend.
Previous years have featured support races such as Brazilian Formula 4, Porsche Carrera Cup Brazil and Porsche Sprint Challenge Brazil, along with historic car parades. The schedule can change each year.
I’d also suggest arriving early each day. There’s plenty happening beyond Formula 1, and it’s worth making the most of your time at the circuit..
Brazilian Grand Prix weekend schedule
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect each day at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Friday The weekend gets underway with support series such as Brazilian Formula 4, Porsche Carrera Cup Brazil and Porsche Sprint Challenge Brazil. Formula One takes to the track for practice, with a second session or Sprint Qualifying later in the day, depending on the weekend format.
Saturday Expect a mix of Formula One and support racing throughout the day. On a traditional weekend, Formula One holds its final practice session before qualifying in the afternoon. On Sprint weekends, Saturday also features the Sprint race, followed by Grand Prix qualifying.
Sunday Race day begins with support racing, often featuring Brazilian Formula 4 and the Porsche championships. The Formula One drivers’ parade takes place before the Brazilian Grand Prix, which typically starts in the afternoon.
The exact timetable and support race programme can change each year. Check the official Formula One schedule before your trip.
Drivers’ parade
Best places to stay for the Brazilian Grand Prix
Paulista Avenue is one of São Paulo’s main cultural and business hubs with restaurants, shopping, bars, and cultural sites all within walking distance. It’s a great option for first-time visitors who want to be in the heart of the city.
Jardins, just south of Paulista Avenue, is a safe, more upscale neighborhood with a laid-back atmosphere. It’s close to major attractions with easy access to restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Both Paulista Avenue and Jardins provide convenient metro access to Pinheiros Station, where you can connect to Line 9 (Esmeralda) for an easy ride to Autódromo Station, the nearest stop to Interlagos.
For even better transport connections to the circuit, the Vila Olímpia district has direct access to metro line 9, making it one of the most convenient choices for racegoers.
Check out more hotel options here and book early to get the best spot for Grand Prix weekend.
Best grandstands at the Interlagos Circuit
Grandstands M & H, Best for Overtaking at Turn 1 Overlooking the Senna S, these grandstands offer excellent views of one of Interlagos’ main overtaking spots. They’re particularly good for watching drivers battle under braking into Turn 1, especially on the opening lap when the field is tightly packed.
The famous Senna S at Turn 1
Grandstand G, Best for High-Speed Action Located along the back straight, Grandstand G offers excellent views of the cars at high speed as they approach Turn 4. It’s a good place to watch overtaking, with drivers using the slipstream before braking hard into the corner.
Grandstand A, Best for Atmosphere Stretching along the final section of the circuit towards the start and finish line, Grandstand A is known for its passionate Brazilian fans and lively atmosphere. You’ll see the cars accelerating towards the finish line, making it a great place to experience the excitement of race day.
Grandstand B, Best for Start, Finish and Podium Views Located opposite the pit lane, Grandstand B offers excellent views of the race start, pit stops and podium celebrations. It’s a great choice if you want to experience some of the biggest moments of the Grand Prix from your seat.
Brazilian Grand Prix ticket and travel packages
Where to go after the Brazilian Grand Prix
If you have a few extra days, I’d recommend visiting Iguassu Falls. Straddling the border between Brazil and Argentina, these enormous waterfalls are one of South America’s most impressive natural sights and well worth the journey.
Alternatively, consider spending a few days in Rio de Janeiro before heading home. It’s a great way to see more of Brazil and round off your Grand Prix trip.
Best booking resources for F1 trips
Planning the trip is the fun part for some and a chore for others.
If you would rather not handle all the details yourself, we can do that for you.
Prefer to do it all yourself? You’re welcome to take everything you’ve learned here and book your own trip. These are good places to start. They’re reliable, easy to use, and usually the best value.
Tickets Grand Prix Tickets is the agency I’ve trusted for years. They’ve always been reliable, easy to deal with, and quick to help if something comes up.
Hotels ZenHotels is one of my go-to sites for hotel bookings. It pulls prices from many smaller sites you might not know about, which makes it good for finding deals. I also check Expedia and Booking.com when I want more options.
Excursions Viator is full of walking tours, attraction tickets, and local experiences. It’s especially handy if you’re heading to a new Grand Prix city. It’s a good place to find extras to add to your trip.
Money-saving tips for the Brazilian Grand Prix
Stay near a train or metro station I’d recommend choosing a hotel within walking distance of a train or metro station, ideally with easy connections to Line 9, which serves Autódromo station near Interlagos. Public transport is an affordable way to reach the circuit and helps you avoid expensive taxis and race weekend traffic.
Consider connecting through Europe rather than North America If you’re travelling from the UK or Europe, I’d recommend comparing flights that connect through European airports before considering routes through the US or Canada.
Depending on your nationality, transiting through North America may require a visa or electronic travel authorisation, adding cost and paperwork. You may also face lengthy immigration queues, particularly in the US. Connecting through Europe can make the journey simpler and potentially cheaper.
FAQ's
The Brazilian Grand Prix takes place at Interlagos, officially known as Autódromo José Carlos Pace, around 20km south of central São Paulo. The circuit is famous for its elevation changes, unpredictable racing and passionate Brazilian fans.
I'd recommend using public transport. Autódromo station on Line 9 is within walking distance of the circuit, making it one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get there. It also helps you avoid the heavy traffic around Interlagos on race weekend.
I'd recommend staying in São Paulo near a train or metro station with easy connections to Line 9, which serves the circuit. This makes travelling to Interlagos straightforward while giving you access to the city's restaurants and attractions in the evenings.
It depends on what you want to see. Grandstands M and H offer views of the Senna S, one of the circuit's main overtaking spots. Grandstand G is a good choice for high-speed action and overtaking into Turn 4. For atmosphere, I'd consider Grandstand A, while Grandstand B offers views of the start and finish straight, pit lane and podium celebrations.
São Paulo's weather can be unpredictable, with warm sunshine and heavy rain possible during the same weekend. Conditions can change quickly, sometimes affecting the racing.
If you're travelling a long way for the Grand Prix, I'd recommend allowing a few extra days to explore Brazil. Iguassu Falls, on the border between Brazil and Argentina, is one of South America's most impressive natural sights. Alternatively, Rio de Janeiro is a great place to extend your trip, with its famous beaches, Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer.
Rob is an experienced independent travel consultant and travel content creator.
His love for Formula One started in the 1990s, watching the greats like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Mika Hakkinen. He traveled to his first Grand Prix in 1999. It was the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Since then, Rob has traveled to over 2/3 of Grand Prix’ on the current Formula One calendar.
Fast forward to today, and Rob has turned his passion into a career, dedicating his time to helping others plan their dream Formula One trips.
His favourite Grand Prix destinations are Austria and Austin, and when he’s not attending a Formula One Grand Prix, you’ll find him closer to home, walking or cycling in the Peak District National Park.
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