INTERLAGOSCATHEDRAL OF SPEED
Brazil's Temple of Motorsport — Where passion runs deep, championships are decided, and Senna lives forever.
The History of Interlagos
Brazil's passion for racing
Autódromo José Carlos Pace, known worldwide as Interlagos ("between lakes"), opened in 1940. The original circuit was nearly 8 kilometers long, but the current 4.3km layout, used since 1990, packs incredible drama into its compact footprint.
The circuit runs anti-clockwise, one of only a few on the calendar. This puts unique stresses on the cars and drivers, with left-handers dominating the layout. The elevation changes—the circuit drops and rises significantly—add to the challenge.
Senna's S, the opening sequence of corners, is named after Brazil's greatest driver. It's a fitting tribute at a circuit where Ayrton Senna achieved his most emotional victories. His 1991 win, nursing a failing gearbox across the line, remains one of F1's most iconic moments.
The Brazilian fans are among the most passionatein motorsport. They camp out for days, create incredible displays, and their energy can be felt throughout the paddock. Racing at Interlagos is a sensory experience.
As a frequent season finale, Interlagos has hosted countless championship deciders. The 2008 finale—where Hamilton won the title on the last corner of the last lap—is perhaps the most dramatic moment in F1 history.
Legendary Moments
The races that defined Interlagos
Senna's Home Victory
Ayrton Senna finally wins his home Grand Prix after years of heartbreak. His gearbox fails on the last lap, but he crosses the line in tears, barely able to lift the trophy.
Fisichella's Delayed Win
In chaotic wet conditions, Giancarlo Fisichella is initially classified second. A week later, he's declared the winner after timing errors are corrected.
Hamilton's Last-Corner Title
Lewis Hamilton needs to finish fifth to win the championship. He crosses the line sixth, but passes Timo Glock on the final corner to become champion by one point.
Vettel's Miracle Recovery
Sebastian Vettel is spun at the first corner and drops to last. He recovers to sixth, enough to beat Fernando Alonso to the title by three points.
Verstappen vs Hamilton
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton collide while fighting for the lead. Pierre Gasly takes second for Toro Rosso in a chaotic race.
Hamilton's Sprint Fightback
Disqualified from qualifying, Hamilton storms from 20th to 5th in the sprint, then wins the race from 10th. One of his greatest drives.
Interlagos Champions
The masters of São Paulo
Alain Prost
France • 1982, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990
Michael Schumacher
Germany • 1994, 1995, 2000, 2002
Carlos Reutemann
Argentina • 1977, 1978, 1981
Sebastian Vettel
Germany • 2010, 2013, 2017
Ayrton Senna
Brazil • 1991, 1993
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