São Paulo Grand Prix: Race Preview

Brazil first featured on Formula 1’s calendar in 1972, with the Autodromo subsequently named after local icon Carlos Pace, who triumphed in 1975, two years before his untimely death. The circuit is more commonly known as Interlagos, owing to the district in which it is located, sandwiched between two large man-made reservoirs called Guarapiranga and Billings on the western outskirts of São Paulo’s urban sprawl. Brazil’s grand prix was moved to Rio de Janeiro in the 1980s but amid the popularity of São Paulo native Ayrton Senna, a shortened and modified Interlagos welcomed Formula 1 back in 1990.

The 2.7-mile circuit sits in a bowl, and is known for its long-radius and flowing medium- and high-speed corners, which are connected by a lengthy full-throttle section that runs from Juncao to the Senna S, looping almost 180-degrees in front of a soccer-style terrace of spectators. Wet weather can also influence proceedings at Interlagos, as has happened in each of the last four editions at critical junctures of the grand prix weekend. That included in 2022, when TGR Haas F1 Team claimed its maiden pole position in a dry/wet Qualifying session.

After five successive years of hosting F1 Sprint, Interlagos will revert to a traditional race weekend format for 2026, the first time for the event since 2019 – having been absent in 2020 due to the pandemic.

LAST TIME OUT

Rafael Câmara (21) will make his Formula 1 debut for TGR Haas F1 Team on home soil at Interlagos, ahead of his role as a full-time driver from 2027. Câmara will partner Ollie Bearman, who last year secured one of his best finishes, converting a Q3 berth into sixth position.

Hoagy Nidd, Head of Car Engineering:

“São Paulo was another good race for us last year, where Ollie finished sixth. The Sprint wasn't great but the race itself was good, scoring eight points. It's an incredible location with an amazing history, right in the city centre, with incredible fans who, when they're behind you, are absolutely brilliant. It can get interesting over the weekend as the weather can change very quickly around the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, where we put a car on pole position there in 2022, partly as a result of that a few years ago.”

Ollie Bearman:

“This triple-header hasn’t been too kind to me so far, we’ve had promising pace, but I’m yet to cross a finish line. I’ll be ending that streak this weekend in São Paulo, and what a track to have a great result on with the history and the fans - this city has it all. I’ve raced for the team here twice already, subbing in for Kevin in 2024, so I know a little about how Rafa will be feeling. The focus is to work together to get some points for the team as we head into the business end of the season.”

Rafael Câmara:

“I’m grateful to TGR Haas F1 Team for giving me this opportunity, and I also want to thank Ferrari for their continued support. Making my Formula 1 debut in Brazil is a special moment for me. I know there is a lot to learn, and my focus is on working closely with the team, understanding the car and doing the best job I can this weekend.”