Short, intense and packed with history, Interlagos delivers every time. From the moment the lights go out, anything can happen on this legendary circuit. If you’re chasing unforgettable racing, wild weather swings and a crowd that lives and breathes Formula 1, this is the one to watch.
What to expect in this guide
• Why the Brazilian Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket list • Where is the circuit? • Travelling to Brazil: what you need to know • How many days should you spend at the Brazilian Grand Prix? • Brazilian Grand Prix weekend schedule at a glance • Best places to stay for the Brazilian Grand Prix • Best grandstands for key moments at the Brazilian Grand Prix • Where to go next after your trip to the Brazilian Grand Prix • Money-saving tips for the Brazilian Grand Prix • Frequently asked questions
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Why the Brazilian Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket list
The Brazilian Grand Prix is a must-visit for any F1 fan. Held at Interlagos, officially Autódromo José Carlos Pace, this circuit is known for its fast, unpredictable racing and passionate crowd. With its mix of high-speed straights, tight corners, and dramatic elevation changes, it’s a track that consistently delivers action.
At just 4.309km, Interlagos is one of the shortest circuits in F1, but nearly 70% of the lap is taken at full throttle. The famous Senna S at Turn 1 is one of the best overtaking spots on the calendar, setting the stage for first-lap chaos and bold race-day moves. As Pierre Gasly puts it, “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 electric. Brazilian fans bring an unmatched level of energy, creating a carnival-like feel throughout the weekend. “It’s great seeing how passionate the fans are there, which makes it a great place to go racing,” says Alex Albon. The crowd’s passion rivals that of Mexico City, making this one of the most vibrant race weekends of the year.
Brazilian fans turn Interlagos into a weekend-long carnival
This circuit has a way of producing unforgettable moments. From Senna’s legendary 1991 home win to Hamilton’s last-lap title drama in 2008, Interlagos has played host to some of F1’s greatest races. Even in years when the championship isn’t at stake, the racing here is rarely dull.
The 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix saw Senna take a heroic home win in dramatic style
For fans looking for a Grand Prix that combines great racing with an incredible atmosphere, São Paulo is hard to beat. Whether you’re watching from the Senna S or the main straight, you’re almost guaranteed to witness something special.
Where’s the circuit?
This historic circuit is set in the southern part of the city, about 20km from downtown São Paulo. Its location makes it one of the more accessible tracks on the F1 calendar, with metro and shuttle options available for racegoers.
The Interlagos circuit in São Paulo
Traveling to São Paulo: What you need to know
Getting to São Paulo for the Grand Prix is relatively straightforward, with multiple international flight options and good transport links within the city. São Paulo is served by Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), the main entry point for international travelers, located about 25km from the city center. Direct flights are available from major cities across Europe, North America, and other parts of South America. The airport is well-connected, with taxis, ride-share services, and airport shuttles available for transfers into the city.
While many race goers can visit Brazil without a visa, the exact duration and requirements can vary, so it’s advisable to check the specific visa requirements based on your nationality before planning your trip.
How many days should you spend at the Brazilan Grand Prix?
We recommend spending three full days, from Friday to Sunday, at the Brazilian Grand Prix to experience everything the event has to offer.
Between F1 sessions, you’ll also get to enjoy a full schedule of support events, making it a weekend packed with non-stop action.
Arriving a day or two before the Grand Prix allows time to explore the city and adjust to the time zone.
Brazilian Grand Prix weekend schedule at a glance
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect each day at the Brazilan Grand Prix.
Friday kicks off with F1’s first practice session and Sprint Qualifying, alongside F4 Brazilian Championship, Porsche Carrera Cup Brazil, and Porsche Sprint Challenge Brazil sessions.
Saturday sees F1 Sprint action, plus qualifying and races for the support series. Sunday is all about the F1 Grand Prix, following qualifying, the drivers’ parade, and a second F4 race.
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 for key moments at the Brazilian Grand Prix
Grandstand M & H – Best for Overtakes at Turn 1 Overlooking the Senna S, these grandstands offer a front-row seat to one of F1’s best overtaking zones. Expect late-braking battles, first-lap chaos, and key race-defining moments.
The famous Senna S at Turn 1
Grandstands G – Best for High-Speed Action Located along the back straight, these grandstands put you right in the middle of the fastest acceleration zones. Grandstand G also overlooks Turn 4, where drivers brake hard after the DRS zone, making it a great place to see overtaking.
Grandstand A – Best for Atmosphere The biggest and loudest grandstand at Interlagos, stretching along the start/finish straight. Expect a high-energy crowd with views of cars charging toward the finish line and heading into the pit lane.
Grandstand B – Best for Start/Finish & Podium Views Opposite the pit lane, this grandstand gives you a perfect view of the race start, pit stops, and podium celebrations. It’s one of the most coveted seats at the circuit.
Brazilian Grand Prix ticket and travel packages
Where next?
If you have the time, consider adding a trip to Iguassu Falls, one of the most spectacular sights in Brazil and South America. Spanning the border between Brazil and Argentina, these massive waterfalls are a breathtaking natural wonder and well worth the visit. Alternatively, a stop in Rio de Janeiro before heading home is a great way to round off your trip.
Contact us and start planning your 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.
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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