| Date | November 7th-9th |
|---|---|
| Circuit Length | 4.309 km |
| Laps | 71 |
| Lap Record | 1:10.540 – Valtteri Bottas (2018) |
| Previous Winner | Max Verstappen – Red Bull (2024) |
History of the F1 Brazil GP
Construction of the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, more commonly known as Interlagos, began in 1938. The design was influenced by three iconic tracks: Brooklands in the UK, Roosevelt Raceway in the USA, and Montlhery in France.
In 1973, with the rise of Brazil’s Formula 1 driver, Emerson Fittipaldi, Interlagos hosted its first F1 world championship race. Fans witnessed a home victory as Fittipaldi won in 1973 and 1974, while Carlos Pace triumphed in 1975.
Ayrton Senna’s First Win at Interlagos
Ayrton Senna’s first victory at the Sao Paulo GP in 1991 is one of the most unforgettable moments in Formula 1 history. Starting from pole position, Senna led for 65 laps, showing unmatched determination. However, just as the rain clouds gathered, disaster struck: the gearbox in his McLaren began to fail. With only one gear remaining, Senna’s strength and skill were put to the test.
Despite the pain and fatigue from driving with one working gear, Senna pushed through, managing to cross the finish line in P1. His arms could barely lift from the effort, and he even fainted afterward due to the intense physical strain.
This emotional victory became a turning point in his career, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers. It was also a defining moment for the Sao Paulo GP, endearing Senna even more to the fans and making the race a standout on the F1 schedule.
The Flying Dutchman
Max Verstappen delivered a memorable performance at the 2024 F1 Brazil GP, a race that could very well shape the outcome of the 2024 F1 season and his pursuit of a fourth world title. The weekend started off challenging for the reigning champion, with Lando Norris claiming the sprint race win and securing pole position for the Sunday race. Verstappen initially started in 12th but was relegated to 17th after a five-place grid penalty for an engine change.
However, rain played a pivotal role in turning the race in Verstappen’s favor. Numerous yellow flags and a red flag caused by Franco Colapinto’s crash provided the perfect opportunity for Verstappen to storm through the field after the restart. He quickly made his way to the front, eventually taking the lead.
With Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly in tow, Verstappen held firm at the front, while Norris struggled with multiple errors, dropping down to sixth.
Circuit Specifications
- Corners: 15
- DRS Zones: 1
- Pit Stop Strategies: Two-Stop Strategy
- Most Used Tires: Softs to Medium tires
Interlagos, like many tracks from the pre-World War II era, features banked corners that add to its unique layout. Drivers start the lap on a half-oval section, a feature that remained from its earlier configuration, when it was run as a giant oval between 1957 and 1990.
After navigating the iconic Senna S and heading towards Turn 4, they make their way through a twisting infield section with tricky camber changes. The lap concludes with a climb up the hill, leading to a banked final corner. For F1 teams, this track offers a true test of skill and strategy.
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F1 Brazil GP FAQs
- Which F1 driver has the most wins at the Sao Paulo GP?
The driver with the most wins at the Sao Paulo GP is Michael Schumacher, with a total of 5 victories. - What is the average speed at the Sao Paulo GP?
The average speed during a Formula 1 race at the Sao Paulo GP is typically around 200 km/h (124 mph). - Which team has the most wins at the Sao Paulo GP?
McLaren holds the record for the most wins at the Sao Paulo GP, with a total of 12 victories at Interlagos.