Everything you need to know about the Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix

Few countries in the world embrace Formula 1 as passionately as Brazil.

The boisterous crowd that descends on Interlagos each year provide one of the best atmospheres on the calendar.

On track the racing is often exciting, with many memorable F1 moments taking place in Brazil.

Here is everything you need to know about the antepenultimate race of 2023 — the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Where and when is the race, how can I watch in Australia?

The Sao Paulo Grand Prix is held in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo.

The track is in the southern part of the city, in the neighbourhood of Interlagos.

The only place to watch all the action is via the Fox Sports stable of broadcasting channels.

It will be available on both Foxtel and Kayo Sports, with the race starting at 4am AEDT on Monday.

What do I need to know about the track?

The Autódromo José Carlos Pace, more commonly known as Interlagos, is one of F1’s most storied tracks.

Many title-deciding races have taken place here, including the final races of the season which crowned champions in 2007, 2008 and 2012.

Illustration of the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, hosting the F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix

Illustration of the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, hosting the F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.(F1)

The track is completed in quick time and features plenty of challenges for drivers.

The Senna S, turns 1 and 2 named after legendary champion Ayrton Senna, is sharp and downhill and comes at the end of the start-finish straight.

This is often the best place to overtake on the race track.

Turn 4, a sharp left-hander at the end of the circuit’s other straight, is another opportunity for overtaking.

The rest of the lap is full of sweeping turns and hard braking zones, providing a test for the driver and machine.

What happened last year?

Mercedes finally achieved a win in 2022 when George Russell climbed onto the top step of the podium for the first time in his F1 career

Russell started the race from pole position and drove masterfully, while rivals were involved in collisions. 

His teammate Lewis Hamilton finished second, competing the best weekend of the season for the Silver Arrows. 

Fast facts

  • First grand prix — 1973
  • Number of laps — 71
  • Lap distance — 4,309 metres
  • Race distance — 305.879 kilometres
  • Fastest lap — 1:10.540 Valtteri Bottas (2018)

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