Autodromo José Carlos Pace (Interlagos)
São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil
First GP: 1973 · 38 Grands Prix
Circuit Overview
The Autodromo José Carlos Pace, universally known as Interlagos, is one of the most atmospheric circuits in Formula 1. The 4.309 km anti-clockwise circuit in São Paulo has hosted the Brazilian Grand Prix since 1973 and is famous for its passionate fans, unpredictable weather, and dramatic racing. The circuit is named after Brazilian driver José Carlos Pace, who won the 1975 Brazilian Grand Prix at this circuit before dying in a plane crash in 1977. Interlagos is one of only three anti-clockwise circuits on the F1 calendar (along with Bahrain and Abu Dhabi), which creates unique challenges for drivers and teams. The circuit's combination of long straights, technical sections, and the famous Senna S (Curva do Sol) makes it a favourite among drivers. The Brazilian fans are among the most passionate in the world — when Ayrton Senna raced here, the atmosphere was electric. Senna won the Brazilian Grand Prix twice (1991, 1993) and the scenes of celebration were extraordinary. The 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix is one of the most dramatic races in F1 history — Lewis Hamilton needed to finish 5th or higher to win the championship, and he did so on the final corner of the final lap, overtaking Timo Glock.
Circuit History
Interlagos was built in 1940 and originally used a much longer circuit of 7.96 km. The circuit was shortened to its current 4.309 km layout in 1990. The Brazilian Grand Prix was held at Interlagos from 1973 to 1977, then moved to Jacarepaguá from 1978 to 1989, before returning to Interlagos in 1990. The circuit has been the scene of numerous dramatic championship finales — the 1994 Brazilian Grand Prix saw Michael Schumacher win the opening round of his first championship season; the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix saw Lewis Hamilton win the championship on the final corner; the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix saw Sebastian Vettel win his third consecutive championship after starting last following a first-lap collision.
Technical Challenges
- Senna S (Curva do Sol) — fast right-left complex at the start, sets up the lap
- Descida do Lago — long, sweeping left-hander, requires commitment
- Ferradura — tight hairpin, heavy braking, overtaking opportunity
- Anti-clockwise layout — unusual for drivers, affects neck muscles and tyre wear
- Bumpy surface — car setup must accommodate rough tarmac
- Weather — tropical storms can arrive suddenly, changing race conditions dramatically
Famous Races
Senna wins at home — emotional victory, gearbox stuck in 6th for final laps.
Massa wins but Hamilton takes championship on final corner.
Vettel wins championship from last after first-lap collision.
Verstappen wins after brilliant overtake on Hamilton.
Hamilton wins from last after penalty — incredible drive.
Autodromo José Carlos Pace (Interlagos) — Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Brazilian Grand Prix held at Interlagos?
The Brazilian Grand Prix has been held at Interlagos (Autodromo José Carlos Pace) since 1990, after moving back from Jacarepaguá. The circuit is named after Brazilian driver José Carlos Pace, who won the 1975 Brazilian Grand Prix here before dying in a plane crash in 1977. Interlagos is beloved for its passionate fans, dramatic racing, and historical significance as Ayrton Senna's home circuit.
What is the Senna S at Interlagos?
The Senna S (officially Curva do Sol) is the famous opening corner complex at Interlagos — a fast right-left sequence that sets up the lap. It was renamed in honour of Ayrton Senna, who won the Brazilian Grand Prix twice at this circuit. The corner is one of the most photographed in Formula 1.
What happened at the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix?
The 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix is one of the most dramatic races in F1 history. Lewis Hamilton needed to finish 5th or higher to win the championship. He was running 6th on the final lap when Timo Glock, on dry tyres in wet conditions, slowed dramatically. Hamilton overtook Glock on the final corner to finish 5th and win the championship by a single point. Felipe Massa won the race but lost the championship.
How long is the Interlagos circuit?
The Autodromo José Carlos Pace (Interlagos) is 4.309 km (2.677 miles) long. The circuit has 15 corners and 2 DRS zones. The Brazilian Grand Prix covers 71 laps, a total distance of 305.879 km.
Why does Interlagos run anti-clockwise?
Interlagos is one of only a few circuits on the F1 calendar that runs anti-clockwise (the others being Bahrain and Abu Dhabi). The anti-clockwise direction was determined by the original circuit design in 1940. Anti-clockwise circuits create unique challenges for drivers — the lateral G-forces are reversed, stressing different neck muscles, and tyre wear patterns differ from clockwise circuits.
What is the lap record at Interlagos?
The Interlagos lap record is 1:10.540, set by Valtteri Bottas in a Mercedes W09 during the 2018 Brazilian Grand Prix. The record reflects the circuit's relatively short length and the high speeds achievable on its straights.
Did Ayrton Senna ever win at Interlagos?
Yes — Ayrton Senna won the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos twice, in 1991 and 1993. The 1991 victory was particularly emotional — Senna's gearbox stuck in 6th gear for the final laps, but he held on to win in front of his home crowd. The scenes of celebration were extraordinary, with Senna in tears on the podium.
What is the weather like at the Brazilian Grand Prix?
The Brazilian Grand Prix is held in November, which is the beginning of the wet season in São Paulo. Tropical storms can arrive suddenly and dramatically, changing race conditions within minutes. The unpredictable weather has contributed to many dramatic races at Interlagos, including the 2008 and 2012 championship finales.
Has the Brazilian Grand Prix always been held at Interlagos?
No — the Brazilian Grand Prix was held at Interlagos from 1973 to 1977, then moved to Jacarepaguá (Autodromo Nelson Piquet) from 1978 to 1989, before returning to Interlagos in 1990. The circuit has hosted the Brazilian Grand Prix every year since 1990.
What is the capacity of Interlagos?
The Autodromo José Carlos Pace has a capacity of approximately 60,000 spectators. The Brazilian Grand Prix is one of the most popular events on the F1 calendar, with fans travelling from across Brazil and South America to attend. The atmosphere, particularly in the grandstands overlooking the Senna S, is among the best in Formula 1.
Circuit Facts
- Country
- Brazil
- Circuit Type
- Permanent
- Length
- 4.309 km
- First GP
- 1973
- Total GPs
- 38