Formula 1 will continue racing at one of its most historic venues through at least 2035 after announcing a new five-year extension with organizers of the São Paulo Grand Prix. The agreement secures the future of Interlagos as the championship continues to expand its global reach while maintaining a presence in one of motorsport's most passionate markets.
Announced ahead of this weekend's São Paulo Grand Prix, the extension builds on more than five decades of Formula 1 history in Brazil. The Autódromo José Carlos Pace, better known as Interlagos, has hosted some of the championship's most memorable races and remains one of the most recognizable circuits on the calendar.
The new agreement also reflects the event's growing commercial significance, with rising attendance, a rapidly expanding Brazilian fanbase and substantial economic benefits for the city.
Growing Attendance Strengthens São Paulo's Position
The São Paulo Grand Prix has recorded five consecutive years of attendance growth, reaching 303,627 spectators in 2025, compared with 291,717 the previous year.
That momentum extends well beyond the circuit. According to figures released by Formula 1, Brazil's fanbase reached 75.8 million in 2025, representing a 6.5% increase year over year. Women account for 44% of Brazilian fans, while 41% are under the age of 35, highlighting the championship's growing appeal among younger and more diverse audiences.
The event has also become an increasingly important economic driver for São Paulo. Formula 1 estimates that the 2025 Grand Prix generated R$2.3 billion in economic impact, an increase of 9.7% over the previous year's record.
Those figures help explain why both Formula 1 and city officials have committed to maintaining the event over the next decade.
“Brazil is an important part of Formula 1's history and our future, and I am delighted that this five-year extension will see us continue racing in São Paulo until 2035,” said Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali.
“The passion of our Brazilian fans is extraordinary, and every time we return to Interlagos we feel their energy in the grandstands and in the city of São Paulo.”
A Historic Circuit With a Modern Future
Interlagos has long been considered one of Formula 1's most demanding and entertaining venues. Its 4.309-kilometer layout features 15 corners, significant elevation changes and a combination of technical sections and overtaking opportunities that regularly produce unpredictable racing.
The circuit's history is equally significant. Named in honor of Brazilian driver José Carlos Pace, who won the 1975 Brazilian Grand Prix, Interlagos has witnessed six Drivers' World Championships being decided, including title-winning moments for Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton.
Brazil's connection to Formula 1 also runs through generations of drivers, most notably three-time world champion Ayrton Senna, whose legacy remains deeply connected to the sport and the country.
That tradition continues with Gabriel Bortoleto and Rafael Câmara, both competing in São Paulo this weekend as Brazil's newest representatives on the Formula 1 grid.
For race organizers, preserving that history while continuing to modernize the venue remains central to the event's long-term future.
“Interlagos is a unique circuit, admired by drivers, teams and fans from all over the world,” said São Paulo Grand Prix CEO Alan Adler. “It has been the setting for memorable races and is an integral part of Formula 1's history.”
Long-Term Investment Extends Beyond Racing
The agreement also commits São Paulo officials to continued investment in the event and its infrastructure, with the goal of improving the experience for spectators, teams and visitors.
Mayor Ricardo Nunes emphasized the Grand Prix's importance to the city's economy, particularly for hospitality, tourism, retail and local services.
“We are ensuring the continuity of one of the world's biggest sporting events, which boosts the economy, creates jobs, strengthens tourism and raises our city's international profile,” Nunes said.
The extension comes as Formula 1 continues to strengthen its media presence in Brazil. A broadcasting agreement with Globo, running through 2028, provides extensive coverage across SporTV and free-to-air television, expanding access to the championship for Brazilian audiences.
Together, the television partnership, growing attendance and renewed venue agreement give Formula 1 a long-term foundation in one of its most established international markets.
While the championship continues to explore new destinations and commercial opportunities, the decision to retain Interlagos demonstrates the importance of preserving venues that have helped define Formula 1's identity.
The São Paulo Grand Prix will return November 5–7, 2027, with the new agreement guaranteeing the event's place on the calendar through at least 2035.