The Inside Track
Sunday December 6 2026
Last updated March 2026
The Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos makes an ideal first stop on a trip through Brazil. This guide shows you how to combine race weekend with visits to Brazil’s standout destinations, from the stunning Iguazu Falls to the beaches of Rio. Whether you’re here for the racing, the culture, or a bit of both, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Brazil.
The Autódromo José Carlos Pace, better known as Interlagos, hosts one of the most distinctive race weekends on the F1 calendar. Its unique layout creates non-stop action for spectators, with dramatic elevation changes and high-speed sections throughout.
The famous Senna S at Turn 1 has witnessed countless dramatic overtakes and first-lap incidents over the years.
What truly sets Interlagos apart is its atmosphere. Brazilian fans bring unmatched passion and energy, transforming the grandstands into a carnival-like celebration throughout the weekend.
Race weekend at Interlagos kicks off on Friday with F1’s first practice session and Sprint Qualifying, alongside support series action from F4, Porsche Carrera Cup, and Porsche Sprint Challenge. Saturday features the F1 Sprint race, plus qualifying and races for the support categories. Sunday is all about the Grand Prix.
When choosing where to sit, Grandstand M offers prime views of overtaking at Senna S, while Grandstands G & Q put you close to high-speed action on the back straight and Turn 4.
For atmosphere, Grandstand A is a fan favorite along the start/finish straight, and Grandstand B provides a front-row seat to pit stops, podium celebrations, and the race start.
For first-time visitors, two areas stand out as ideal bases in São Paulo: Paulista Avenue, a central location with restaurants, shops, and cultural sites within walking distance, and Jardins, an upscale neighbourhood known for its boutique hotels and tree-lined streets.
Both areas are centrally located, considered safe for visitors, and offer convenient metro access to Interlagos.
Top Hotel Picks
Check out more hotel options here and book early to get the best spot for Grand Prix weekend.
After the Grand Prix, continue your trip with a short flight that connects São Paulo with Foz do Iguaçu and the magnificent Iguazu Falls.
Flight time from São Paulo to Foz do Iguaçu: 1 hour 45 minutes.
Fly to Rio de Janeiro and wrap up your Brazilian adventure. Spend a day visiting iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, the bohemian Santa Teresa district, and the vibrant Selarón Steps. Then, take in the views from Sugarloaf Mountain. No trip to Rio is complete without unwinding on the golden sands of Copacabana and Ipanema.
Flight time from Foz do Iguaçu to Rio de Janeiro: 1 hour 50 minutes.
Top Hotel Picks
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.
Take a look at our Grand Prix ticket & travel packages »
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.
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