History of F1 in Interlagos: Winners, Records, and Fun Facts!

For the 37th time, Formula 1 will hold a race in São Paulo this Sunday, November 9 — not counting the races held in Rio de Janeiro, which bring the total to 42 F1 events in Brazil. And if you’re counting down the days for the thrill of the world’s greatest motorsport competition and planning your Sports Bets, you’re probably thinking about the history of F1 in Interlagos!

It’s been more than five decades of excitement in the Cidade Ademar neighborhood, on Avenida Senador Teotônio Vilela. For locals, however, the circuit is popularly known as Interlagos due to the region’s name — a nickname that stuck forever thanks to victories by legends like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen.

Want to know more about this history while waiting for our coverage of the São Paulo GP? Then keep reading and enjoy!

When did F1 arrive in Interlagos?

Founded in 1940 by governor Ademar de Barros, the José Carlos Pace Circuit features a layout inspired by the iconic tracks of Indianapolis, Brooklands, and Monthléry — in the United States, England, and France, respectively. The São Paulo Grand Prix was the first race held there, with 25 laps covering 200 km, and Arthur Nascimento Júnior as its first champion.

Since it still lacked proper infrastructure, Interlagos had to be closed for renovations in 1967 and only reopened in 1970. However, in 1971 the track required another upgrade to host what would become its main event: the Brazilian Grand Prix, inaugurated in 1972 — though that first edition didn’t count towards the championship standings.

Interlagos hosted the Brazilian GP in most of the following years, but the race was moved to Jacarepaguá Circuit in 1978 due to poor track conditions at its traditional venue. Throughout the 1980s, Brazil’s F1 round took place in Rio de Janeiro.

In 1990, the race returned to São Paulo’s south zone after major renovations by the São Paulo City Hall and the Brazilian Automobile Confederation, which also shortened the track to half its previous length — from 8 km to 4.325 km (and now 4.309 km).

Since then, the circuit has hosted not only Formula 1 but also concerts and major events featuring bands like Kiss, Iron Maiden, and festivals such as Lollapalooza. In 2020, the São Paulo Grand Prix was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but F1 remained in the city with the new Brazilian Grand Prix, under contract until 2030.

In total, Interlagos has hosted 41 Formula 1 races: 37 São Paulo Grands Prix and 4 Brazilian Grands Prix. This means the venue should reach 47 races by the end of its current contract — which could still be renewed.

Which country has won the most in Interlagos?

Germany leads the way with victories in 1994, 1995, 2000, 2002, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2017. Next comes the United Kingdom, with winners in 1992, 1996, 2001, 2012, 2016, 2018, 2021, and 2022, followed by Brazil with triumphs in 1973, 1974, 1975, 1991, 1993, 2006, and 2008.

Three countries share fourth place: France (1979, 1980, 1990), Finland (1998, 1999, 2007), and the Netherlands (2019, 2023, 2024).

Two nations have two wins each — Colombia (2004, 2005) and Australia (2009, 2011) — while four others have one victory: Austria (1976), Argentina (1977), Canada (1997), and Italy (2003).

Which driver has the most wins in Interlagos?

Germany’s Michael Schumacher is the all-time leader with four victories — 1994, 1995, 2000, and 2002. Behind him is fellow German Sebastian Vettel, who won in 2010, 2013, and 2017.

Two drivers can match Schumacher’s record this weekend: Britain’s Lewis Hamilton, winner in 2016, 2018, and 2021, and the Netherlands’ Max Verstappen, who won in 2019, 2023, and 2024.

Among those with two wins are three Brazilians: Emerson Fittipaldi (1973, 1974), Ayrton Senna (1991, 1993), and Felipe Massa (2006, 2008). This list also includes Mika Häkkinen (1998, 1999), Juan Pablo Montoya (2004, 2005), Mark Webber (2009, 2011), and Nico Rosberg (2014, 2015).

The one-time winners list features 14 names — notably Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, David Coulthard, Jenson Button, and George Russell, who triumphed in 1992, 1996, 2001, 2012, and 2022. France also saw three one-time winners: Jacques Laffite (1979), René Arnoux (1980), and Alain Prost (1990).

Other one-time winners include José Carlos Pace (1975), Niki Lauda (1976), Carlos Reutemann (1977), Jacques Villeneuve (1997), Giancarlo Fisichella (2003), and Kimi Räikkönen (2007).

Which team has the most wins in Interlagos?

Italy’s Ferrari holds the record with nine wins: 1976, 1977, 1990, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2017. If Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri win this year, McLaren will tie that record, having won in 1974, 1991, 1993, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2005, and 2012.

Red Bull has seven victories and will rely on three-time world champion Max Verstappen to climb to second place, after wins in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2019, 2023, and 2024. Mercedes follows with six wins (2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2022), while Williams has four (1992, 1996, 1997, 2004), and Benetton has two (1994, 1995).

Brabham (1975), Renault (1980), Lotus (1973), Ligier (1979), and Jordan (2003) each have one victory in São Paulo.

What are the main records in Interlagos?

The 2018 São Paulo Grand Prix saw two major records set. Lewis Hamilton not only won the race, but also took pole position with his Mercedes V6 Turbo Hybrid in 1:07.281.

Despite finishing fifth, Valtteri Bottas set the fastest lap in the circuit’s history: 1:10.540 — another record for Mercedes that year.

These marks surpass those from the Jacarepaguá era, where Ayrton Senna held the pole record with 1:25.302 and Riccardo Patrese had the fastest lap at 1:32.507 — both in 1989, the last year before the race returned to São Paulo.

Who has the most F1 wins in Brazil?

Including both Interlagos and Jacarepaguá, Michael Schumacher is no longer the sole record holder — that title belongs to Alain Prost, who won six times: 1982, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1990. Meanwhile, Argentina’s Carlos Reutemann ties Schumacher with victories in 1972, 1978, and 1981.

Among those with two wins, Nelson Piquet joins the list (1983, 1986), and Nigel Mansell adds 1989. René Arnoux’s 1980 victory also enters the record books.

Ferrari increases its total to 11 wins when including 1978 and 1989 but loses the overall lead to McLaren, which now totals 13 victories with additions from 1984, 1985, 1987, and 1988. Williams has six wins (adding 1981 and 1986), while Brabham (1972, 1983) and Renault (1982) also join the multiple-winners list.

Overall, Brazil ties with Germany as the nation with the most home victories (nine). France follows with eight, and the United Kingdom remains with seven.

Bet on F1 responsibly!

It’s almost time for Brazil to become the capital of Formula 1 from November 7 to 9 — hosting the world’s top drivers and the big race weekend. And yes, you can place your bets legally, as Ordinance MESP Nº 36 officially authorizes sports betting!

Always plan your betting experience consciously and responsibly — within your financial limits and understanding the risks involved. Otherwise, you could face financial issues or even addiction. Study data, statistics, and rules, and check out our Sports Betting Encyclopedia for more insights!

Bet as if you were driving: responsibly, and only if you’re 18 or older. Visit the Formula 1 page on Blaze and get your predictions ready!