Trackside at Interlagos – 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix

Your trackside guide to Interlagos and to attending the Formula 1 São Paulo Grand Prix 2024. Full race schedule & trackside tips for Brazil.

Interlagos may not be the most modern circuit or the best organized race on the calendar, but these shortcomings are more than compensated by the amazing trackside atmosphere and friendly, passionate local fans. The circuit has a relatively small capacity, with no general admission areas and no infield access – though new grandstands have been added to meet demand in recent years. Attendance at the race has been rising steadily since 2016, reaching a record 267,000 fans over three days in 2023. It’s also been confirmed that Brazil will remain on the F1 calendar until at least 2030. Just like the last three seasons, Interlagos will once again host Formula 1’s sprint race format in 2024.

Interlagos: Entry & Prohibited Items

  • Gate Opening Times: The circuit gates open at 08:00 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Gates close at 16:00 on Friday and Saturday, and 14:00 on Sunday. There are no pass outs. Seven gates provide entry at Interlagos. Check the interactive map with gate locations.
  • Circuit Entry for Children: Children aged 0-4 are not allowed to enter the circuit, whilst children aged between 5-11 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Children aged 12-15 can access the circuit if accompanied by a legal responsible person (above 18 years), with a written authorization signed by a parent or legal representative. Children aged 16-18 can enter the circuit without the need for authorization or being accompanied by a legal guardian.
  • Food & Drink: Each person will be allowed to enter the circuit with up to three food items. Such items must be properly sealed and in their original packaging, except in the case of fruits which must be cut and kept in a ziplock bag. Whole fruits will not be allowed. Bottles, cans or any other sharp container are also not allowed.
  • Prohibited Items: Included all kinds of guns and weapons, flammable and pyrotechnic materials, bulky items larger than 25x25x25cm (including coolers, folding chairs and large bags), and all glassware. Searches will be conducted upon entry. The full list is available on the FAQ here (page will need to be translated from Portuguese).

Interlagos: Useful Information

  • How to get there: Read Getting There & Around for more information about how to get to Interlagos.
  • Trackside Food & Drink: Snack bars with food and drinks are located in the different spectator zones at Interlagos. All trackside purchases need to be made with a Cashless Consumer Card, which can be pre-loaded with credit.
  • Accessibility: All grandstands and spectator areas at Interlagos are wheelchair accessible
  • Circuit Zones: It’s not possible to walk to different parts of the circuit. Each spectator area is self-enclosed and has its own entrance.

2024 São Paulo Grand Prix Schedule

  • On-Track Schedule: The full timetable will not be confirmed until 4-6 weeks before the race. F1 session times are confirmed for 2024 and listed below
  • F1 Sprint: For the fourth year in a row, the F1 Sprint format will return to Brazil in 2024  It will be the fifth of six F1 Sprint events on the 2024 calendar
  • Support Categories: Brazil doesn’t offer the best on-track action compared to other races. Support races in 2023 were the Porsche GT3 Cup Brazil, Porsche Carrera Cup Brazil and the F4 Brazilian Championship. Support categories are TBC for 2024
  • Pit Lane Walk: This is not held for regular attendees at Interlagos. F1 Experiences does hold a pit lane walk on Thursday for selected guests. In addition, guests in the Formula 1 Paddock Club and selected local hospitality suites can take part in daily pit lane walks at alloted times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Friday, November 1

  • 11:30-12:30: Formula 1 – Free Practice 1
  • 15:30-16:14: Formula 1 – Sprint Shootout

Saturday, November 2

  • 11:00-12:00: Formula 1 – Sprint (24 laps or 30 mins)
  • 15:00-16:00: Formula 1 – Qualifying

Sunday, November 3

  • 14:00-16:00: Formula 1 Grande Prêmio De São Paulo 24 (71 Laps or 120 mins)

Interlagos: Tips & Advice

  • The weather is unpredictable at Interlagos and rain is common, so check the weather forecast and be prepared! There’s little shade from the sun, so pack your hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Even if warmer weather is forecast, it’s worth bringing a sweater as it can get cool and breezy in the afternoons.
  • If you’re sat in the cheapest “A” grandstand, be aware that these are concrete bleachers; bring along a small cushion or something to sit on.
  • Danielle Mota, our Brazil expert, advice on sitting in Sector A at Interlagos: “The atmosphere in this sector is amazing. There are people from all over Brazil and around the world. Everyone is friendly and just happy to be at Interlagos. Watching the GP from here is a unique experience.” Read more here.
  • Alice West went to the race in 2013: “Don’t bother packing an anorak for rain as you can buy a lightweight plastic poncho from vendors for next to nothing. Interlagos operates a no re-entry policy and they confiscate umbrellas, water and all sorts of other useful things on entry, so come with very little. Refreshingly, food and drink is pretty good and not expensive here and the toilets are clean and plentiful.” Read Alice’s report here

Kartódromo Ayrton Senna

No trip to Interlagos would be complete without a visit to the historic Kartódromo Ayrton Senna, a 1150 meter kart track adjacent to the main F1 circuit. Opened in 1970, this is where the careers of many of Brazil’s greatest drivers began, including Nelson Piquet, Ayrton Senna and Rubens Barichello. Twenty-five minutes behind the wheel of a racing kart will set you back R$120 (approximately $37 USD). Opening hours are Tuesday-Friday (17:30-23:00), Saturday (12:30-23:00) and Sunday (12:30 to 21:30). It’s probably worth booking ahead on Grand Prix weekend. More details here.

Visiting Interlagos on a non-race weekend? There’s a public park for walking and cycling around the perimeter of Interlagos. Access is via gate 7 or 9 and it’s open from 07:00-17:00, 7 days a week (but not during the race weekend.) You can also contact the circuit to arrange a track tour.

Been to Interlagos? Leave a comment and tell us about your experience!

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