This is the racetrack that hosts the Brazilian Formula 1 Grand Prix most years, built in the 1940s and set around what was once a reservoir in the city's southern Interlagos district. Its layout, with the fast Senna S at the start and the uphill run back to the pits, is regarded by drivers as one of the more demanding on the calendar. Outside race weekend the site still functions as a public park with the track visible from parts of the grounds, and it includes a memorial to Ayrton Senna, who grew up racing in São Paulo and died in 1994.
Autódromo José Carlos Pace, universally known as Interlagos, is São Paulo's Formula 1 racetrack in the southern Interlagos district, hosting the Brazilian Grand Prix most years since the 1970s and named for Brazilian driver José Carlos Pace. Outside race weekends, the surrounding municipal park and the track's public areas are open free of charge, including a memorial to three-time world champion Ayrton Senna, who died in 1994 and whose statue and tribute area sit near the track. Motorsport fans can walk sections of the public perimeter and view the pit straight and grandstands from outside race events, though full track access is generally limited to race days and scheduled track-day events. A visit to the park and memorial areas takes 1-2 hours on a non-race day. Race weekends transform the area entirely, with ticketed access, road closures, and crowds; visiting outside those dates gives a quieter, free look at the circuit. Mornings are coolest for walking the park grounds.
| Admission | Adult Free (park and Ayrton Senna memorial); F1 Grand Prix tickets sold separately · Child Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Park open daily 6AM-6PM (closed on event days) |
| Typical visit | 1-2 hours (non-race day) |
| Best time | morning |
| Getting there | CPTM Autódromo station (Line 9-Emerald), 8 min walk |
| Address | Avenida Senador Teotônio Vilela, 261, Interlagos, São Paulo |
Location
Avenida Senador Teotônio Vilela, 261, Interlagos, São Paulo
-23.7036, -46.6997 View on map
Highlights
- Ayrton Senna memorial near the circuit
- Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix pit straight and grandstands
- Free public park surrounding the track on non-race days
- Named for Brazilian driver José Carlos Pace
- Motorsport history dating to the 1970s
Tips for visiting
- Full track access is generally limited to race weekends and scheduled track-day events
- The Ayrton Senna memorial area is free and open daily during park hours
- Race weekends require separately purchased tickets and bring heavy crowds and road closures
- Mornings are coolest for walking the surrounding park
- Check the circuit's event calendar before visiting to know what areas are accessible
When to visit
Non-race-day mornings offer free, uncrowded access to the park and Senna memorial.
Accessibility
The surrounding municipal park has paved paths and is largely step-free, though grandstand access during events depends on the specific ticket purchased.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a non-race-day visit to Interlagos take?
Visiting the public park and Ayrton Senna memorial areas typically takes 1-2 hours.
Is Interlagos worth it for kids?
The park and memorial areas are family-friendly, though the racetrack itself is most rewarding for visitors with an interest in motorsport.
Is photography allowed at Interlagos?
Photography is permitted in the public park and memorial areas; access during races follows the event's own ticketing rules.