The Interlagos race track is one of the shortest circuits on the Formula 1 calendar and one of the most challenging. Racing is counterclockwise, the track is nestled between two reservoirs in southern São Paulo, and the terrain sends cars through constant elevation changes. Here, you’ll find the track section by section, along with its history, weather conditions, visitor tips, and an idea of how the circuit looks on your wall.
Between Two Reservoirs: Where the Interlagos Race Track Is Located
The circuit is in the Interlagos district in the far south of São Paulo, squeezed between the Guarapiranga and Billings reservoirs. That’s where the name comes from: *Interlagos* roughly means "between the lakes." Today, the track is officially named Autódromo José Carlos Pace, after the Brazilian driver.
The current lap measures 4.309 kilometers and has 15 turns—making it significantly shorter than most modern circuits. Racing is counterclockwise, meaning predominantly left turns. This is rare in F1; other counterclockwise tracks include the Circuit in Austin and Imola.
From 1940 to Today: The History of Interlagos
The site was originally planned as a residential settlement. When that project fell through, a race track was built instead, opening in 1940. The original layout was nearly 8 kilometers long—almost twice the current length—and extended further toward the reservoirs.
Formula 1 first came to Interlagos in 1973. After a break in the 1980s—when the series raced in Rio de Janeiro—it returned in 1990 to the significantly shortened track, which remains the layout used today. The track’s namesake, José Carlos Pace, won his home race here in 1975.
One Lap Counterclockwise: The Sections of the Interlagos Race Track
From the start, the track descends into the S do Senna, the famous left-right combination right after the straight. Brake too late here, and you’ll end up in the runoff area—but exit well, and you’ll have the long Reta Oposta ahead, the second major full-throttle section.
Next comes the Descida do Lago (Descent to the Lake), followed by the slower middle section: the sweeping Ferradura (Horseshoe), Laranjinha, Pinheirinho, and the tight hairpin Bico de Pato (Duck’s Beak), named for its shape on the map.
After Mergulho comes the Junção, the final left-hand turn in the valley. From there, the Subida dos Boxes begins—a long, slightly curved climb back to the start-finish straight. This section often decides races, as the slipstream effect works all the way up the hill, allowing pursuers to close in before the first turn.
Why the Elevation Changes Define the Track
On a map, Interlagos looks compact, but in reality, it’s a rollercoaster. The start-finish area is high, the middle section is lower, and the final stretch climbs back up completely. The surface is also uneven—the track has long been one of the bumpiest on the calendar, making the balance between ground clearance and cornering speed a tightrope walk.
This isn’t visible on a flat track map. In the 3D relief of the Brazil track, the layout stands out above the surrounding map, and the rise and fall between the ascent and valley floor become readable as a shape rather than a column of numbers.
Drivers also report the strain from the left-hand turns: since the head is pushed in the same direction for most of the race, the neck muscles are challenged differently than on clockwise tracks. For more on iconic corners, check out our overview of the most legendary corners in motorsport.
Weather and Race Flow: Why Things Rarely Go as Planned in São Paulo
The São Paulo Grand Prix is usually held in November—spring in the Southern Hemisphere. Afternoons in the city often see thunderstorms build up, which can sweep over the track in minutes and disappear just as quickly. Several Brazilian races in past decades have been decided by such weather.
Add to that the short lap time. Losing just a few seconds can put a driver in lapped traffic, and a Safety Car period immediately bunches the field back up. The sprint format has also been used multiple times in São Paulo, adding extra points and extra excitement on Saturdays.
As a Fan On-Site: What You Need to Know for Your Visit
Interlagos is a great track for spectators. Because the terrain slopes downward, you can see large parts of the lap from the higher grandstands—unlike many flat, modern circuits. Popular spots include the grandstands at the start-finish straight, the Senna S, and around the Junção, where the cars begin the ascent.
Practical: The track is located within the city and connected to the suburban rail network, which is usually more convenient than driving during race weekends. Still, allow plenty of time, bring rain protection, and expect long walks within the venue. If you’re in São Paulo outside of major races, the track regularly hosts national series and events—check the operator’s schedule before your trip.
Brazil as a 3D Relief: The Track for Your Wall
Anyone who’s been there remembers the elevation changes, the noise on the straight, and the grandstands right up against the barriers. As a keepsake, we offer the track in a black frame: the circuit is 3D-printed and stands out in relief over the surrounding map, with a thin acrylic sheet in front.
Two sizes are available: A4 for €55 fits on a desk or in a row with other tracks, while A3 for €85 makes a statement on its own on a free wall. Since the layout is so compact, it works well even in A4. If you want to start a small collection, check out the GP Frames collection for more tracks in the same style—such as Monaco, the opposite concept: a street circuit instead of a landscape profile, but still with significant elevation changes.
Interlagos as a Christmas Gift for Brazil Fans
The São Paulo race takes place just before Advent—a reason why the track makes a great gift for someone who follows the season’s final phase every year. For a personal touch, add customization for €5: a name (up to 30 characters), a one- or two-digit starting number, a country, and two lines of text (max. 40 characters each). A line like "São Paulo 2025 – finally there live" fits perfectly. Note: Personalized frames are made to order and are non-refundable.
For a special presentation under the tree, we offer the Premium Gift Packaging with silver foil for €9.90, including a foam insert. And if you want to hang the frame in a rental apartment without drilling: the Adhesive Hook for €3.99 holds the frame on the wall and can be removed without residue. We ship within 1–2 business days; orders over €85 within Germany qualify for free shipping—still, order for Christmas by mid-December to be safe.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Interlagos Race Track
What Does the Name Interlagos Mean?
The district and the track are located between the two reservoirs, Guarapiranga and Billings. *Interlagos* roughly means "between the lakes." The circuit is officially named Autódromo José Carlos Pace.
Why Is Interlagos Driven Counterclockwise?
The direction is a unique feature shared by only a few tracks on the calendar. For drivers, it means predominantly left-hand turns and an unusual strain on the neck muscles.
How Much Does the Track Rise and Fall in São Paulo?
It’s very noticeable: From the start-finish area, the track descends into the Senna S, the middle section around Bico de Pato is significantly lower, and from Junção, the track climbs back up via the Subida dos Boxes. This profile makes the circuit particularly interesting as a 3D relief.
When Is the São Paulo Grand Prix Held?
The race is usually in November, toward the end of the season. The exact date is set by the calendar for each year—check with the organizer before planning your trip.
Why Does the Track Look So Small on the Map?
At 4.309 kilometers, it’s one of the shortest on the calendar and fits almost entirely within a triangle of three long sections. The details—elevation changes, descents, the long climb—are barely visible on a flat drawing but stand out immediately in relief.
Conclusion
Interlagos isn’t defined by its lap length but by its terrain: short, bumpy, counterclockwise, and with a climb that affects the first corner. If you’ve followed the November race or sat in the grandstands yourself, the track is already in your mind—on your wall, it becomes a 3D memory. For that, check out the Brazil frame in A4 or A3, or read more about another track with plenty of elevation in our portrait of the Austin race track.
