Formula 1’s São Paulo Grand Prix will remain on the calendar through 2035 after a new five-year contract extension was reached.
São Paulo’s Interlagos Circuit is among Formula 1’s most historic venues, having first featured in 1973, and it has been the permanent host of Brazil’s round since 1990.
Only five circuits have hosted more races than Interlagos’ 42, and it has been the location for several title-winning moments, most notably Lewis Hamilton’s last-gasp maiden triumph in 2008.
The event faced an uncertain future in the late 2010s/early 2020s, amid a threat from Rio de Janeiro, but further involvement from the city – leading to a rebrand to the São Paulo Grand Prix from 2021 – alleviated those concerns.
Interlagos’ existing contract ran through 2030 but on Saturday, during this weekend’s event, a new deal was announced securing the race’s future through 2035.
In a statement Formula 1 said that significant investment would be made in the venue, which lacks the hospitality and spectator facilities compared to some circuits.
Brazil is Formula 1’s only event in South America, while it now has two full-time drivers, following Haas’ recruitment of debutant Rafael Camara to join compatriot Gabriel Bortoleto of Audi.
“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.
“The continued success and excitement surrounding the event shows why it holds such a special place on our calendar, and this agreement underlines our long-term commitment to Brazil.”
U.K.-based Phillip Horton started covering Grands Prix while still at university and swiftly deemed that writing about Formula 1 and the behind-the-scenes machinations was much more engaging than reading centuries-old novels. Degree gained, he went on to cover the sport full-time from 2014 and is as intrigued and excited by the destinations Formula 1 visits during its lengthy annual world tour as the racing itself. Phillip joined Autoweek in 2021 and while he has just about learned to spell in American English he has yet to find anywhere in America that makes a proper cup of tea.