Formula 1 has confirmed a five-year contract extension for the São Paulo Grand Prix, ensuring the event remains at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in Interlagos until at least 2035. The agreement was announced on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the circuit. This new deal extends the previous arrangement, which was set to conclude in 2030.
The announcement involved Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 President and CEO, Alan Adler, CEO of the São Paulo Grand Prix, and Ricardo Nunes, the Mayor of São Paulo. The city has committed to ongoing investments in the Interlagos circuit to enhance the experience for fans and guests.
Interlagos first hosted a Formula 1 World Championship race in 1973. The circuit is named after José Carlos Pace, who secured a victory there in 1975. Its current layout spans 4.309 kilometers and features 15 corners, including a steep climb from the final sector onto the main straight and a downhill braking zone into the Senna S.
The circuit has been the venue for six drivers’ championship deciders. Fernando Alonso clinched both of his titles at Interlagos in 2005 and 2006. Lewis Hamilton secured his first championship there in 2008.
For the current 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix weekend, Lewis Hamilton is scheduled to make his 400th Formula 1 start. Two Brazilian drivers are also competing at their home event.
Gabriel Bortoleto is racing for Audi. He is in his second Formula 1 season with the Audi Revolut F1 Team in 2026, having joined Sauber in 2025 before Audi’s full acquisition. Bortoleto won the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2023 and the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2024.
He scored Audi’s first points as a manufacturer entrant at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, finishing ninth. During the practice sessions for the São Paulo Grand Prix, Bortoleto finished eighth in both FP1 and FP2.
Rafael Câmara is making his Formula 1 debut for Haas at this event. His promotion to a race seat was brought forward following Esteban Ocon’s departure from Haas. Câmara had already been confirmed for a full-time drive with Haas for the 2027 season.
Câmara finished 18th in FP1 and 16th in FP2 at Interlagos. He is currently leading the FIA Formula 2 standings in his rookie campaign.
The city of São Paulo has undertaken circuit upgrades for the 2026 race. These include partial resurfacing, modifications to kerbs, and improvements to safety infrastructure. Fresh asphalt has been applied to two sections, lower yellow kerbs installed at three corners, and new debris fencing erected between Turns 5 and 6.
Formula 1’s Brazilian fan base stands at 75.8 million, representing a 6.5% increase from 2024 to 2025. Of these fans, 44% are women and 41% are under 35 years old.
Weekend attendance for the São Paulo Grand Prix reached 303,627 in 2025, an increase from 291,717 in 2024. The 2025 event generated an economic impact of R$2.3 billion for São Paulo, a 9.7% rise over the previous year’s record.
Formula 1 also reported nearly 5.5 million Brazilian followers across its social media channels. The sport returned to Globo as its exclusive broadcaster in Brazil from 2026 through 2028.
This broadcast agreement includes 15 Grands Prix per season available on free-to-air television, with both live and delayed coverage. Subscribers to Sportv can access every practice, qualifying session, Sprint, and Grand Prix live and on demand.
McLaren is the only team to introduce significant aerodynamic upgrades for the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix. These include a redesigned front wing, a new rear wing assembly, a new beam wing, and modifications to the floor. These developments are aimed at performance gains and will influence the design of their 2027 car.
Stefano Domenicali has addressed criticism regarding the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, particularly concerning energy management and the nature of overtaking maneuvers. He emphasized the importance of constructive feedback in the ongoing development of the sport.
