Formula 1 announced a five-year extension for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on November 7, securing racing at Interlagos through 2035. The agreement was unveiled during the 2026 Brazilian race weekend, providing a new long-term horizon for a venue with more than half a century of F1 history.
A venue that has decided six drivers’ titles
Officially named the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, the undulating circuit has staged six Drivers’ Championship deciders, including title-winning moments for Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. F1 also recalled Verstappen’s recovery from 17th to victory in 2024.
Domenicali also noted that Brazil has produced 33 Formula 1 drivers, including Bortoleto and Camara, who are competing at home this weekend. He linked the extension to Brazil’s place in F1’s history and future and thanked the city and organiser for their continued investment. Alongside its hosting contract, Interlagos retains the role of providing Brazilian drivers with a home appearance in the World Championship.
The fanbase, attendance and city impact
F1 put its Brazilian fanbase at 75.8 million, with women representing 44% and people under 35 accounting for 41%. Those describe the wider audience. Reported event attendance rose from 291,717 in 2024 to 303,627 in 2025, an increase of 11,910, or approximately 4.1%.
The announcement attributed an economic impact of R$2.3 billion for Sao Paulo to the 2025 event, up 9.7% on the 2024 record. Mayor Ricardo Nunes highlighted hotels, restaurants, retail and services, linking continued hosting to predictable investment, employment and tourism.
Nunes placed particular emphasis on predictable investment. Hotels, restaurants, retailers and service businesses can plan around a continuing major event, as can the city’s tourism and international-event programme. That is the mayor’s assessment of the extension’s value. The R$2.3 billion figure concerns the economic impact of the 2025 race, rather than revenue already generated by the new agreement or a guarantee for future annual returns.
Continued city investment and broadcast access
Under the new agreement, Sao Paulo will continue investing in the experience for fans and guests. Event CEO Alan Adler described the extension as recognition of a long-term effort and credited the city’s support for modernising Interlagos as important to continued growth.
The announcement confirms hosting through 2035 but does not list new projects, annual budgets or a construction schedule. The commitment to the spectator experience will next need to take shape in specific facilities and services.
F1 also highlighted its existing agreement with Brazilian broadcaster Globo. SporTV subscribers can watch every on-track session live and on demand, while 15 Grands Prix receive additional free-to-air live coverage during the season. The first arrangement covers the full race weekend; the second gives viewers without a paid subscription access to selected Grands Prix. That broadcast agreement is separate from the new circuit contract extension.
