The Brazilian Grand Prix will remain on the Formula 1 calendar for the next seven years years after a new deal with the Interlagos circuit was confirmed.
Ahead of this weekend’s round at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, the circuit confirmed it has extended its contract with Formula 1 to remain hosts of the Brazilian Grand Prix until the end of the 2030 season.A popular circuit with drivers and fans due to its undulating, flowing nature and its tendency to produce quality racing, Interlagos also hosts the only race on the continent of South America.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said he “can’t wait for many more years of the wonderful atmosphere that the Brazilian fans bring” after agreeing the five-year contract extension.
“Brazil has such a rich racing heritage, and this iconic circuit is a favourite of drivers and fans around the world. It embodies everything that is great about racing, and we look forward to seeing how it develops over the years to come to create an even better experience.”
One of the mainstays of the F1 calendar, the Brazilian round has been contested for the last 50 years, missing just a single season since 1973 – the Covid-affected 2020 championship. Interlagos has held the Brazilian Grand Prix since 1990 as well as seven years prior to that on an extended version of the current layout. The now-demolished Jacarepagua circuit in Rio de Janeiro hosted the event ten times between 1978 and 1989.
This weekend will see Interlagos hold the final sprint round of the 2023 season, with qualifying for the grand prix set to take place later this afternoon. The Brazilian Grand Prix is the 21st round out of 24 on the 2024 F1 calendar.
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2023 Brazilian Grand Prix
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Jere (@jerejj)
3rd November 2023, 13:04
How surprising.
Nick T.
3rd November 2023, 17:36
It’s the best circuit on the calendar when it comes to producing great racing. Pretty sure there’d be widespread uproar if it was removed as people are already getting sick of cash-driven only circuits like everything in the ME, Miami, Vegas, etc.
User (@user576)
3rd November 2023, 13:11
Wonder how much they pay? Seems unlikely it’s a higher paying track yet it never seems to be under threat despite the discussions around safety in the city
RandomMallard
3rd November 2023, 16:46
@user576 If I remember correctly, it was under threat a few years ago, with plans from the Bolsonaro government to move the race to Rio. However, this never went ahead, and the plans for a new Rio circuit have since been scrapped. However, I believe this is partly the reason the race is now the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, and not the Brazilian GP.
Alesici
3rd November 2023, 17:11
If I remember correctly, I think soon after Liberty took over the F1 reigns from Bernie, they realised that the contract for the next few years, which Bernie had just signed before he was booted out, had agreed a charge of absolutely zero millions of dollars for the rights for Interlagos to host the race. Bernie has strong links in Brazil, so he had probably gifted a friend and screwed over his usurpers.
Phil Norman (@phil-f1-21)
3rd November 2023, 13:18
It shouldn’t be under any threat. I know there has been security issues over the years but I am sure they can or are being dealt with. It would seem the FIA are satisfied.
It’s a fantastic circuit. There is an argument to say, one of the best on the calendar. Nearly always produces interesting races. Maybe even my favourite.
MichaelN
3rd November 2023, 13:39
Good, it’s one of the better tracks on the calendar. Would be even better if they ditched DRS. The long straight was always good for passing, and doesn’t need it. It’s not quite ‘Kemmel Straight bad’ now, but it’s close.
dot_com (@dot_com)
3rd November 2023, 13:46
I agree. Seems like 90% of passes are ‘end of the straight, DRS wide open’ passes nowadays. If a track doesn’t need it, don’t use it. Then hopefully we can phase it out completely.
Leksa (@leksa)
3rd November 2023, 14:55
Should get to be the season finale as well. But doesn’t seem very realistic until F1 stops accepting Middle-East bloo…I mean oil money.
Chris Horton
3rd November 2023, 14:59
Fantastic news.
Absolutely fantastic circuit and atmosphere.
DaveW (@dmw)
3rd November 2023, 15:31
Pyongyang and Tehran street races will have to find another spot on the calendar.
Phil Norman (@phil-f1-21)
3rd November 2023, 16:36
LOL!
Esploratore (@esploratore1)
4th November 2023, 1:32
As the last track to host a full wet race (2016) it deserves a spot on the calendar, while they hopefully resolve the spray issues.