São Paulo GP

• Track features

  It’s actually one of the higher points of the calendar, coming in at 800m above sea level. Whilst not as extreme as Mexico City, the higher altitude and thinner air still impacts aerodynamics and cooling in the same way, just to a lesser degree.

  The Autódromo José Carlos Pace 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, know as the Senna S turns, is a key overtaking spot that is always packed with action. 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.

  Drivers must also contend with several banked corners – most notably the final turn, and wide, flat kerbs, all of which present their own unique challenges. If that wasn’t already enough, the weather in São Paulo is known to be wholly unpredictable.

• What's it like in Brazil?

  Now, you might not think that a place nicknamed “Land of the Drizzle” would be top of your places to visit, but Brazil’s largest city is full of culture and natural beauty, from the lively shop and restaurant-lined Paulista Avenua to the stunning foliage-filled Ibirapuera Park. And when it isn’t raining, the weather in November is nice and warm, without being overly humid.

  Throughout your stay, you’re sure to encounter stunning street art and amazing food. Brazil’s barbecued meat is famous, so you’ll definitely want to sample some Picanha, but we’d also recommend trying Feijoada, a pork and black bean-based stew.

• F1 icebreaker

  Stuck for conversation with your F1-loving friends? Spark up a discussion with our F1 icebreaker…

  Lewis Hamilton famously secured his first F1 World Championship with McLaren in a dramatic 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix, overtaking Timo Glock in the final corners of the last lap to become the then-youngest F1 World Champion in history.