The Autódromo José Carlos Pace, aka Interlagos, is one of F1’s shorter circuits, at 4.309km, and roughly 68% of it is taken at full throttle, making for an intense and exhilarating lap. This includes one of the most iconic sections of track on the calendar.

The run from the start line and through the first three corners, known as the Senna S turns, is a key overtaking spot that is always packed with action and ensures a dramatic Brazilian Grand Prix. These three turns feature within a 43m elevation change between the highest point on the track at Turn 1 and the lowest point at Turn 5.

Despite not being the most flowing of circuits, many of the infield turns at Interlagos are medium to high speed and require a strong front end. This is balanced by the need for a car with a good change of direction through the slower Pinheirinho section in the middle of the lap. Here, and at Junção, good traction is vital.

McLaren has dominated the Brazilian Grand Prix with 13 victories. Nine of these have come at Interlagos, of which the most recent was by Lando Norris in 2025. Undoubtedly the most popular victories, however, were those of our Brazilian World Champions: Emerson Fittipaldi won in 1974 and Ayrton Senna in 1991 and 1993.

Rather less popular with the Interlagos crowd but infinitely more dramatic was the fifth place for Lewis Hamilton in 2008, which remains arguably the most memorable climax in F1 history. In a rain-swept season finale, Hamilton passed Timo Glock on the very last corner of the final lap to win the Drivers’ Championship in only his second season.