The Brazilian Grand Prix returns to the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace at Interlagos, Sao Paulo, from 6 to 8 November 2026, forming round 21 of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. One of the most storied circuits in motorsport, Interlagos has been the scene of some of Formula 1’s greatest races and remains a firm favourite with drivers and fans alike.
What is the Brazilian Grand Prix?
The Brazilian Grand Prix, officially known as the Sao Paulo Grand Prix since 2021, is Formula 1’s annual race in Brazil. The event takes place at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, universally known as Interlagos, a 4.309km anti-clockwise circuit with 15 turns. The track’s undulating layout, including the famous Senna S chicane at the start of the lap, creates overtaking opportunities and dramatic racing. Interlagos sits at an elevation of around 800 metres, and its unpredictable weather frequently adds another layer of excitement to proceedings.
When is the Brazilian Grand Prix?
The 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix weekend runs from Friday 6 November to Sunday 8 November. Practice sessions are scheduled for Friday, with qualifying on Saturday and the race on Sunday. The race typically starts at 14:00 local time (BRT), which is 17:00 GMT, 12:00 ET, and 09:00 PT.
Where is the Brazilian Grand Prix?
Interlagos is located in the southern suburbs of Sao Paulo, Brazil’s largest city. Construction on the circuit began in 1938, making it one of the oldest venues on the F1 calendar. The track underwent a significant shortening in 1990, reducing it from the original 7.8km layout to its current 4.309km configuration. Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport is the main entry point for international visitors, approximately 40km from the circuit. The venue can accommodate over 60,000 spectators in grandstands, with additional general admission areas.
Key Contenders
Mercedes have set the pace in the early rounds of the 2026 season under the new regulations, with George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli both claiming victories. Ferrari will be a strong threat at Interlagos, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton forming a formidable partnership. Hamilton has a particularly strong record in Brazil, having won three times at the circuit (2016, 2018, 2021). Max Verstappen, who won the 2019, 2023, and 2024 editions, will be determined to challenge with the Red Bull-Ford package. Lando Norris, the reigning World Champion, dominated the 2025 race weekend at Interlagos, winning both the Sprint and the Grand Prix.
How to Watch the Brazilian Grand Prix
In the United States, all sessions are broadcast exclusively on Apple TV. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports F1 holds live rights for every session. In Brazil, coverage is available through Band and F1 TV. Across Europe, Canal+ (France), Sky Italia (Italy), and DAZN (Spain) carry live coverage. F1 TV Pro is available in select international markets, offering full live streaming with multiple camera angles and real-time telemetry data.
History and Records
Brazil first hosted a World Championship Grand Prix in 1973, with local hero Emerson Fittipaldi winning the inaugural race at Interlagos. The event moved to Jacarepagua in Rio de Janeiro between 1978 and 1989 before returning permanently to Interlagos in 1990. The race has produced some of Formula 1’s most iconic moments, including Ayrton Senna’s emotional home victory in 1991, Lewis Hamilton’s last-lap title win in 2008, and Max Verstappen’s stunning charge from 17th to victory in the rain in 2024. Recent winners include Nico Rosberg (2015), Lewis Hamilton (2016, 2018, 2021), Sebastian Vettel (2017), Max Verstappen (2019, 2023, 2024), George Russell (2022), and Lando Norris (2025). The race lap record is 1:10.540, set by Valtteri Bottas in 2018.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix are available through the official Sao Paulo Grand Prix website and authorised partners including F1 Experiences. Options include general admission and reserved grandstand seats at various points around the circuit, with the main grandstand offering views of the pit straight and podium. Hospitality packages are available for premium experiences. The passionate Brazilian fans create one of the most vibrant atmospheres on the calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Brazilian Grand Prix start?
The 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix weekend runs from 6 to 8 November, with the race on Sunday 8 November.
Where is the Brazilian Grand Prix held?
The race takes place at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace (Interlagos) in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
How can I watch the Brazilian Grand Prix?
In the US, the race is exclusively on Apple TV. In the UK, it is live on Sky Sports F1. In Brazil, watch on Band. F1 TV Pro is available in many other markets.
Who won the Brazilian Grand Prix last year?
Lando Norris won the 2025 Sao Paulo Grand Prix for McLaren, finishing ahead of Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen.