Brazil
Interlagos
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Track: Autódromo José Carlos Pace
The Sao Paulo Grand Prix, is another classic in the Formula One calendar. The Autódromo José Carlos Pace, is a fan favorite for hosting a lot of memorable miemnts in the sport. The simple and short track layout, is what makes this a classic.
Onboard Lap using EA SPORTS F1® 24
2023 Sao Paulo GP (Formula1)
Brazilian GP
The first time Formula One has raced in Brazil, was during the 1973 FIA Formula One World Championship, where the Grand Prix became a part of the F1 calendar. The first Brazilian GP, was held at The Interlagos Circuit. The first Brazilian GP, was won by the home hero Emerson Fittipaldi.
1973 Brazilian GP (Motor Sport Magazine)
Brazilian Grand Prix (1973) Track Layout
1973 - 1981 (Wikipedia)
​Length: 7.96km 4.94mi
Laps: 40
In the 1975 Brazilian GP, this would be José Carlos Pace's first win at his home event. Emerson Fittipaldi would finish 2nd, which would mark the first time that two Brazilian driver, would have a 1-2 finish at their home Grand Prix. Sadly, this would be Pace's last win in his Formula One career, as he died in a aircraft accident two years later. The Interlagos Circuit, was renamed to the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, in honor of his death.
Formula One, would change their venue for the Brazilian GP due to the track not having to have smooth surfaces, which makes it harder for drivers to race on. During the 1978 FIA Formula One World Championship. Instead of racing at Interlagos, they choose to race at Jacarepagua, in Rio de Janeiro. After a year racing in Rio, they eventually moved back to Interlagos for a second try. But it didn't seem to be safe for the rivers. The surface still isn't smooth for the drivers, and still fet dangerous. It was decided to race at Rio until Interlagos has been resurfaced.
1975 Brazilian GP (Motor Sport Magazine)
Brazilian Grand Prix (1973) Track Layout
1978 - 1989 (Wikipedia)
​Length: 5.03km 3.12mi
Laps: 63
Brazilian GP
But after nearly 10 years of being absent on the calendar, Formula One had finally returned to Interlagos. The new and improved Autódromo José Carlos Pace, immediately became such a fan favorite, after the modifications. The circuit had completely removed one long sector from turns 4 to 5, and completely cut it to make it shorter. The lap times were now shorter, and the race distance was now from 40, to 71 laps.
Autódromo José Carlos Pace Layout​
Turns: 15
DRS Zones: 2
Length: 4.30km (2.67mi)
Fastest Lap: Valtteri Bottas
1:10.540
In the 1991 Brazilian GP, The race was a memorable Grand Prix to remember, especially for Brazilian fans. The race would be remembered for Ayrton Senna's emotional home win. Senna held of a great lead and had a perfect weekend. He started from pole, which increased the chances of him winning the GP, and managed to keep his pace throughout the Grand Prix.
1991 Brazilian GP (F1 Insider Hub)
The 2006 Brazilian GP, would me memorable for Michael Schumacher's last race for Ferrari, before retiring. It was a huge surprise for everyone for Schumacher's decision to retire. But the Brazilian GP would also be remembered for Fernando Alonso's second World Championship.
2006 Brazilian GP (Motorsport Images)
2008 Brazilian GP (CNN)
The 2008 Brazilian GP, would arguably be the most memorable moment in Formula One history. The race marked Lewis Hamilton's first ever World Championship. Hamilton managed to secure his World title in a dramatic final lap. Hamilton's rival Felipe Massa, had won the GP hoping to secure a World Championship. But on the final lap, Hamilton overtook Timo Glock, who was ahead of him. If Hamilton didn't overtook Glock, then he wouldn't be able to secure his World Title. But Hamilton passed Glock, and made his way through the line to win his first ever World Championship.
The 2018 Brazilian GP, would be a frustrating weekend for Red Bull's Max Verstappen. Verstappen was on the move to pass backmarker Esteban Ocon. Unfortunately into turn 1, Ocon and Verstappen collided, which had dearly cost him. Verstappen's chances of winning had come to an end after that collision. During the Post-Race event, Verstappen was angry at Ocon, and nearly had a physical fight with him.
2018 Brazilian GP (Formula1)
2019 Brazilian GP (Formula1)
Ferrari would have a disastrous weekend in Brazil, during the 2019 Brazilian GP. Unfortunately, both Ferrari drivers Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, ended up making contact at the DRS straight. This resulted an retirement for both drivers, which ruined Ferrari's chances of winning the Grand Prix.
The 2020 Brazilian GP was cancelled, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Unlike the other tracks that were available in that season, Interlagos still had high presence of COVID around the area. But F1 would eventually go racing again back at Interlagos in 2021. However, they would rename the Grand Prix from the Brazilian GP, to the Sao Paulo GP. This is because of new contract promoters that they agreed with F1 to keep racing at Interlagos until 2025.
Sao Paulo GP
2021 Sao Paulo GP (Motor Sport Magazine)
Formula One was back at Interlagos, for the 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship. The intense rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen continued. During the weekend, Hamilton was offered a 5 place grid penalty, for fitting a new Mercedes engine in his car. But, Hamilton managed to catch up and gain more places, throughout the GP. When he finally reached his rival, Verstappen and Hamilton, immediately fought wheel to wheel, fighting for 1st place. Verstappen had gone wide, with Hamilton alongside, showing how intense the battle for the lead truly was. But, Hamilton kept his pace and would win the 2021 Sao Paulo GP.
The 2022 Sao Paulo GP, would be the first ever career victory for Mercedes' George Russell. Mercedes had a brilliant weekend, as their racecraft was performing really well in Interlagos, despite the major issues, they had encountered throughout the season. But, Russell and his team mate, Lewis Hamilton, had an incredible drive in Brazil, and managed to secure a 1-2 finish.
2022 Sao Paulo GP (The Guardian)
During the 2023 Sao Paulo GP, the race would be remembered, for Fernando Alonso's incredible photo finish, against Red Bull's Sergio Perez. Right on the final lap, Perez had the opportunity to overtake Alonso, with the availability of DRS. Unfortunately, Perez didn't made it in time before they crossed the line. At the end, Alonso managed to keep his podium place, leaving Perez to settle in 4th.
2023 Sao Paulo GP (Sportskeeda)
The 2024 Sao Paulo GP, would be another race to remember. The terrible weather conditions, had completely delayed the qualifying session, moving it to Sunday early in the morning. When the race started, the Grand Prix, would be Red-Flagged, and yellowed flag lots of times. But the race was a crucial moment, for McLaren's Lando Norris to win if he wants to compete against Verstappen in the World Championship. Unfortunately, Norris would have a terrible weekend. Because of the pressure, Norris lost the lead to George Russell and even worse, Verstappen, had a mega race throughout the wet conditions. He did an incredible drive from 17th on the grid, to 1st. The weekend would also be special for the two Alpine drivers, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, as they made their way onto the podium. This would be special for Verstappen, as he hadn't won a Grand Prix, since Spain. But unfortunately for Norris, his dream of becoming World Champion, would end.
2024 Sao Paulo GP (RacingNews365)
The Brazilian/Sao Paulo Grand Prix, would always be a special track on the Formula One calendar. Simple and Iconic, Autódromo José Carlos Pace would always be a fan favorite, and hold a special place in the Formula One family.
WINNERS
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1973: Emerson Fittipaldi
1974: Emerson Fittipaldi
1975: Carlos Pace
1976: Niki Lauda
1977: Carlos Reutemann
1978: Carlos Reutemann
1979: Jacques Laffite
1980: Rene Arnoux
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1981: Carlos Reutemann
1982: Alain Prost
1983: Nelson Piquet
1984: Alain Prost
1985: Alain Prost
1986: Nelson Piquet
1987: Alain Prost
1988: Alain Prost
1989: Nigel Mansell
1990: Alain Prost
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1991: Ayrton Senna
1992: Nigel Mansell
1993: Ayrton Senna
1994: Michael Schumacher
1995: Michael Schumacher
1996: Damon Hill
1997: Jacques Villeneuve
1998: Mika Hakkinen
1999: Mika Hakkinen
2000: Michael Schumacher
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2001: David Coulthard
2002: Michael Schumacher
2003: Giancarlo Fisichella
2004: Juan Pablo Montoya
2005: Juan Pablo Montoya
2006: Felipe Massa
2007: Kimi Raikkonen
2008: Felipe Massa
2009: Mark Webber
2010: Sebastian Vettel
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2011: Mark Webber
2012: Jenson Button
2013: Sebastian Vettel
2014: Nico Rosberg
2015: Nico Rosberg
2016: Lewis Hamilton
2017: Sebastian Vettel
2018: Lewis Hamilton
2019: Max Verstappen
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2021: Lewis Hamilton
2022: George Russell
2023: Max Verstappen
2024: Max Verstappen