F1 Brazil - Speed Race F1

Australia

China

Japan

Bahrain

Saudi Arabia

Miami, USA

E. Romagna

Monaco

Spain

Canada

Austria

Great Britain

Belgium

Hungary

Netherlands

Monza, Italy

Azerbaijan

Singapore

Austin, USA

Mexico

Brazil

Las Vegas, USA

Qatar

Abu Dhabi

First Grand Prix

1973

Number of Laps

71

Circuit Length

4.309 km

Race Distance

305.879 km

Lap Record

1:10.540

José Carlos Pace Circuit

History and Construction

Construction of the circuit began in 1938 and it opened on May 12, 1940.
The name "Interlagos" comes from its location between two large artificial lakes (Guarapiranga and Billings).
It was renamed Autódromo José Carlos Pace in 1985, in honor of the Brazilian Formula 1 driver who died in a plane crash in 1977.
The event was moved to Jacarepaguá in Rio de Janeiro in 1981 due to the inadequacy of the Interlagos facilities.
In 1990, the track was shortened from the original 7.873 km to the current 4.309 km, the pit lanes were modernized, and safety measures were improved.

Design and Features

The circuit is one of the few on the Formula 1 calendar that is driven counterclockwise, a direction unusual for most drivers.
The circuit is divided into 3 sectors, but Sector 2 is known for its twisty and technical section, consisting of turns 6 to 12.
After the final corner, drivers face a long, steeply banked pit straight that leads to the iconic Senna "S" (Turns 1, 2, and 3).
The circuit is located in an area of rapid weather changes, which can result in sudden rain.
The pit lane entry is unusual, requiring drivers to brake and steer sharply to enter, posing a technical challenge.

Key Facts

The official race lap record is held by Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) with a time of 1:10.540 in 2018.
The circuit is 4.309 km long. It is contested over 71 laps, covering a total distance of 305.909 km.
The first F1 Grand Prix winner at this circuit was Argentine Carlos Reutemann in 1972.
Some of the most memorable finishes include those in 2008 (Hamilton vs. Massa) and 2012 (Vettel vs. Alonso).
The circuit has hosted events such as the World Endurance Championship (WEC), the Brazilian Stock Car Championship, and the MotoGP in its early days.