Autódromo José Carlos Pace – São Paulo Grand Prix

History

The Autódromo José Carlos Pace was originally conceived in the late 1930s and opened in 1940. Formula 1 first raced at the circuit in 1973, and since then Interlagos has hosted countless Grands Prix marked by unpredictable weather, legendary performances, and dramatic championship showdowns. In 1985 the circuit was renamed to honour the talented Brazilian driver José Carlos Pace. Throughout its decades-long legacy it has undergone substantial safety and facility upgrades while retaining the excitement and flow that make it unique among the world’s top circuits.

The Layout

Interlagos runs in an anti-clockwise direction and features dramatic elevation changes alongside high-speed sweeping bends and tricky infield sections. The circuit sits between two large artificial reservoirs built to supply the city of São Paulo with water and power, which is the origin of the traditional name “Interlagos” — meaning “between lakes.” Its varied corners, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather create frequent on-track drama and make setup a challenge for race engineers.

Circuit Character

Interlagos is nestled in the bustling city of São Paulo, Brazil, and stands as one of Formula 1’s most iconic motor racing venues. The circuit regularly produces thrilling finishes and championship showdowns, aided in no small part by the passionate Brazilian fans who bring colour and energy to the stands. Today the Autódromo José Carlos Pace remains a fan and driver favourite — a true classic in the world of motorsport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a lap at Interlagos?

A lap of the Autódromo José Carlos Pace measures 4.309 km. The full race distance is 305.879 km.

How many corners does Interlagos have?

The circuit has 13 turns in total.

When did Interlagos first host a Formula 1 race?

Formula 1 first raced at Interlagos in 1973.

What is the lap record at Interlagos?

The current lap record is 1:10.540, set in 2024.

In which direction does the Interlagos circuit run?

The circuit runs in an anti-clockwise direction, which is relatively uncommon on the Formula 1 calendar.

How many DRS zones are there at Interlagos?

There are two DRS zones at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace.

Where is Interlagos located?

The circuit is located in São Paulo, Brazil. Its name, Interlagos, means “between lakes,” reflecting its position between two large artificial reservoirs built to supply the city with water and power.

What is the full official name of the Interlagos circuit?

The full official name is the Autódromo José Carlos Pace. It was renamed in 1985 to honour the Brazilian racing driver José Carlos Pace.

When was the Interlagos circuit built?

The circuit was originally conceived in the late 1930s and opened in 1940.

What is the Senna S at Interlagos?

The Senna S is a corner complex at Interlagos named after Brazil’s Formula 1 hero Ayrton Senna. It is one of the circuit’s most celebrated sections.

What makes the Interlagos circuit challenging for race engineers?

The circuit’s varied corners, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather all contribute to making setup a significant challenge. The combination of high-speed sweeping bends and tricky infield sections demands a broad range of car performance.

Has Interlagos undergone any significant changes over the years?

Yes, throughout its decades-long history the circuit has undergone substantial safety and facility upgrades. Despite these changes, it has retained the layout characteristics and flow that distinguish it among the world’s top circuits.