Formula 1 heads back to fan favourite Interlagos for the fifth Sprint weekend of the season. Here’s everything you need to know about attending the São Paulo Grand Prix on November 1-3, 2024!
- The 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix is set to take place on November 1-3
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Interlagos first appeared on the F1 schedule in 1973. Between 1978 and 1989, the Brazilian Grand Prix was held at Jacarepaguá in Rio de Janeiro, but since 1990 every running of the race has taken place at Interlagos in São Paulo. While 2020 marked the first time since 1972 that the event did not appear on the calendar – due to the global pandemic – the race returned in 2021 with the new official title of the São Paulo Grand Prix.
The Sprint format has rejuvenated race weekends at Interlagos. Lewis Hamilton performed a fine comeback drive in both the Sprint and the Grand Prix in 2021, while Kevin Magnussen took a shock first pole position in 2022 before George Russell claimed his maiden victory. Last year, Lando Norris secured pole position for the Sprint but Max Verstappen won out and claimed another win in a highly dominant season. Formula 1 will be utilising its Sprint format once more at the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix.
São Paulo’s population has grown by over six million since F1 returned to the Interlagos circuit in the 1990s. With that growing population has come a growing number of skyscrapers dominating the São Paulo skyline. There is plenty to see on your trip to the spectacular city. From fascinating architecture, to fabulous food and massive markets, São Paulo is rich in unique cultural experiences. F1 fans can also pay their respects to Ayrton Senna, whose grave is located 15km north of the circuit. We’ve rounded up the best places to visit within the city and further afield in Off-Track Activities.
Heading to Interlagos for the first time? All the essential travel information you need is in Travel Basics.
Limited Tickets Available
The São Paulo Grand Prix is Brazil’s largest annual sporting event and there’s always a carnival atmosphere in the circuit’s grandstands. Most tickets for this year’s race are already sold out. Still looking for tickets for the race? More information can be found here, while tickets can be purchased via our trusted partners Grand Prix Tickets. Ticket packages, offering exclusive insider access, also remain available via F1 Experiences.
Expect passionate fans
Attendance figures have been on the rise at the São Paulo Grand Prix. Interlagos welcomed 181,000 for its first post-pandemic race weekend in 2021. That figure increased to 236,000 in 2022, before rising further to a sold-out 267,000 in 2023. Despite there being no Brazilian drivers currently racing in Formula 1, attendance figures at the track have almost doubled since 2017 – the last time that Felipe Massa raced at his home circuit.
Last year’s race ranked as the 14th best-attended race of the 22 events staged in 2023. A similar attendance level is expected at the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix.
How Much Will a Trip to the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix Cost?
The São Paulo Grand Prix ranks as the 15th-cheapest race weekend to attend on the 2024 Formula 1 calendar. Although there is no General Admission access at Interlagos, the cheapest 3-day grandstand seats (in Grandstand G) rank within the top seven cheapest of the season.
The race is not very affordable for local fans, costing over 55% of the average local monthly wage. With the Brazilian real (BRL) having fallen against other major currencies in recent years, the race has become more affordable for international visitors to attend.
We estimate that the average fan will spend just over $1,300 USD on a trip to the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix, including a 3-day grandstand ticket, 3-night hotel accommodation, plus daily spending money. Check out our Budget Planner for the lowdown on what you can expect to spend on a trip to the São Paulo Grand Prix!
Be prepared for all weather
Be prepared for all kinds of weather at the circuit. Rain has often been a factor at the Brazilian Grand Prix, most notably in 2003, 2008 and 2016. In 2022, the wet conditions on Friday aided Kevin Magnussen to a surprising first pole position for the Haas team, while last year qualifying ended in a sudden downpour and heavy winds which ripped the roof from one of the grandstands!
Although there are strict policies on what is and isn’t allowed to be taken into the circuit, there are plenty of amenities available inside the gates. Thankfully, the food and drink offered at the track is pretty good and inexpensive.
On track at the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix
Thanks to the return of the F1 Sprint, the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix features a slightly unusual weekend schedule. A new format for Sprint weekends in 2024 means that qualifying for the Sprint takes place after a single hour of Free Practice on Friday afternoon. The Sprint race takes place on Saturday morning before the drivers switch their attention on Saturday afternoon to qualifying for the Grand Prix. The Grand Prix itself begins at 14:00 local time on Sunday.
Support races for the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix weekend have not yet been announced. Last year, Porsche racing was in the spotlight, with both Porsche GT3 Cup Brazil and Porsche Carrera Cup Brazil taking to the track for two races each. The F4 Brazilian Championship also raced three times over the weekend. In addition, you can usually expect multiple air displays and historic car demonstrations.
You can find all the vital information about watching the race, including the all important on-track session times, on our updated Trackside page.
Staying safe in the city
Sadly, the São Paulo Grand Prix sometimes appears in the news for the wrong reasons. The 2022 race took place during a time of political unrest in the country and, in recent years, numerous F1 personnel have fallen victim to armed robberies when leaving the Interlagos Circuit.
São Paulo does have a relatively high crime rate but so long as you remain vigilant and take no unnecessary risks during your trip, you should not encounter any issues. Further advice on safety can be found here.
Covid negative test will be required if you’re not completely vaccinated.