The Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, commonly known as Interlagos, remains one of the most distinctive circuits on the Formula 1® calendar as it prepares to host the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix. With a rich history dating back to 1973 and a layout that challenges drivers and teams alike, this venue continues to offer a unique blend of technical complexity and unpredictable conditions.
Interlagos measures 4.309 kilometres and features 15 turns over a 71-lap race distance, totaling 305.879 kilometres. The circuit is notable for its anti-clockwise direction and significant elevation changes, situated at 765 metres above sea level. These characteristics contribute to the physical demands placed on drivers, especially through long, heavily loaded left-hand corners that test neck strength. The lap record stands at 1 minute 10.540 seconds, set by Valtteri Bottas in 2018.
The Brazilian Grand Prix has been a staple at Interlagos since the early 1970s, with the circuit named in honour of local driver Carlos Pace in 1985. Its reputation for unpredictable weather adds another layer of challenge, as conditions can shift rapidly from bright sunshine to heavy rain. Former Formula 1® driver Jolyon Palmer has described the track as short but engaging, highlighting the tricky first corner, a technical middle sector, and a final corner where exit speed is crucial for a strong lap.
Technically, Interlagos features two zones where drag is reduced to increase straight-line speed. These Straight Mode zones are located from the exit of Turn 14 to Turn 1 and between Turns 3 and 4. Instead of the traditional Drag Reduction System (DRS), the circuit uses Overtake Mode, which activates after Turn 13 if a driver is within one second of the car ahead, providing an extra boost of electrical power. This system supports Interlagos’ status as one of the best circuits for overtaking, with the highest number of passes recorded in recent years.
The circuit’s elevation and layout contribute to its physical and strategic challenges. Drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have each won three times at Interlagos, with Hamilton set to mark his 400th Grand Prix at this event. The track’s history also honours Brazilian legends like Emerson Fittipaldi, Felipe Massa, and Carlos Pace, whose legacy is embedded in the venue’s identity.
Safety interventions are common at Interlagos, with only one of the last nine Brazilian Grands Prix running without a Safety Car, Virtual Safety Car, or red flag. This reflects the circuit’s demanding nature and the variable weather conditions that often influence race dynamics. Teams and drivers must therefore prepare for a weekend where adaptability is key.
Overall, the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace continues to offer a compelling test of driver skill and team strategy. Its combination of technical corners, elevation changes, and weather unpredictability ensures it remains a highlight on the Formula 1® calendar. The 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix will once again showcase these elements, providing a platform for competitive racing and memorable moments.