The Brazilian GP, officially titled the São Paulo Grand Prix or Grande Prêmio de São Paulo in Portuguese, is held at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace. The circuit's location in the Interlagos neighbourhood of Sãu Paulo, Brazil is why you will often hear the race referenced as Interlagos. While there were rumours in 2019 of moving the Grand Prix to Rio de Janeiro, the circuit's contract with Formula 1 has been extended until 2025, pending a judge's ruling.
Track Breakdown
Number of Laps: 71
Circuit Length: 4.309 kM
Race Distance: 305.909 km
The Brazilian Grand Prix has been held since 1972, with the exclusion of the pandemic cancellation of the race in 2020. The race originally took place at the Interlagos circuit before moving to the Jacarepaguá circuit in Rio de Janeiro in 1978. The Grand Prix returned to a modified version of the original Interlagos in 1990, where it has remained. The current circuitis a shortened version of the original, but still includes many components. As a race that typically takes place near the end of the Formula One Championship, the Brazilian GP has been home to a number of milestones through Formula One History. Current driver, Fernando Alonso, became the youngest World Champion here following the 2005 race.
The Autódromo José Carlos Pace is built into the hilly geography of Interlagos, which is one reason why drivers find it so interesting. The ups and downs as well as moderate altitude also provide a challenge to the engines. Another anticlockwise circuit, Interlagos features two DRS zones, one in the pit straight from Turns 15 to 1 and one in the back straight at the end of Sector 1. The most opportune overtaking spot comes after the first DRS zone, heading into Turn 1 ( the "Senna S"). Another possible overtaking point is Turn 4, helped by a driver having a good exit out of Turn 2. With that being said, overtaking ability at Interlagos is questionable, especially in the current era of F1. Having a good qualifying and sprint outcome will be important for drivers heading into Sunday's race.
Fast 5s:
2019: Verstappen, Gasly, Sainz, Räikkönen, Giovinazzi
2018: Hamilton, Verstappen, Räikkönen, Ricciardo, Bottas*
*Bottas set the record race lap time with a time of 1:10.540
Fun Facts
Sebastian Vettel holds the record of most repeat wins by a current driver with 3 (2010, 2013, 2017
The closest race was in 2002, when Michael Schumacher won by a margin or just 0.588 seconds
In 2001, the Schumacher brothers shared the front row of the grid for the first time
The Grand Prix returned to Interlagos in 1990, in response to the rise of Ayrton Senna as a driver, a local to the area
Mick Schumacher will be driving this circuit for the first time, coincidentally the spot of his father's last race
Interlagos pit lane is the largest in Formula One due to its extended exit, at over 1km in length
Technical Talk
Interlagos is a high downforce configuration track, especially for its slower, twisty corners, but power is still necessary to optimize overtaking after straights. As with other anticlockwise tracks, the left handed corners will cause more stress than usual to both tyres and the drivers' necks. With the Sprint event, teams will have one less tyre available to use in the Grand Prix event, so strategies between Practices, Qualifying, and the Sprint will be interesting. Pirelli has gone a step down from last year in terms of tyre softness, due to the hard tyre not being used much. While many are concerned with the title fight between Red Bull and Mercedes, they seem to be rather evenly matched when it comes to performance in Brazil. Anticipate some dark horses in the results this weekend with Pierre Gasly coming in hot from Mexico (and who favours this track), and a good fight between the
McLarens and Ferraris for third in the Constructors. Both Alfa Romeo drivers did surprisingly well at the last visit to Interlagos in 2019, rounding out the Top 5.
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