Helpful information when visiting the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix

Beloved by motorsport enthusiasts and drivers alike, the Interlagos circuit is steeped in history. Prepare for your exciting trip to the Sao Paulo Grand Prix with these helpful tips and circuit information.

What makes the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace so special?

With its rich F1 history and unforgettable sporting moments, the home of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix holds a special place in the hearts of countless Formula 1 fans. While commonly known by many as Interlagos, meaning 'between lakes', the circuit's official name is Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace. It was named in honour of Brazilian driver Carlos Pace, who won this Grand Prix in 1975.

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Building work began on the circuit all the way back in 1938, with Formula 1 first visiting for a world championship race in 1973. The circuit is built on picturesque hilly terrain, which makes it incredibly challenging to drive but creates some great views from the stands, where a carnival atmosphere really does dominate!

Keep reading for some useful information and friendly advice to help you make the most of your visit.

Helpful tips and advice

Pre-prepare!

Before you head to the circuit, have any information that you need saved on your phone, such as tickets and maps. With an event of this size, it's always a good idea to set a meeting point with friends and family too, in case you get separated.

Prepare for the sun… but bring a rain coat!

The race takes place at the beginning of November, during the transition from spring to summer in Brazil. The weather can vary between 18 and 26 degrees Celsius, and although no longer in the rainy season, rain is still quite common! It's always a good idea to check the forecast closer to the date of travel. Make sure to bring:

• Sunscreen to protect your skin
• A cap or hat for shade
• A raincoat

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes

You’ll likely be walking a lot around the circuit to reach the grandstands, food stalls, and the exciting off-track entertainment options in the Fanzone, so wearing comfortable shoes is essential.

Arrive early

With tens of thousands of fans descending on the circuit over the weekend, we recommend getting to the track as early as you can if you want to beat the worst of the queues. It's far better to enjoy the atmosphere inside the circuit as it builds than waiting to get in!

Beat the queues!

Race weekends are very busy at the circuit, meaning queues are likely for most of the Fan Zone activities, refreshment booths, and merchandise stalls. We advise that you try to adjust your schedule to accommodate for this. Be anticipatory when eating or going to the toilet so you don't spend the best part of the day queuing!

Cashless food and drink

Certain sections of the circuit require use of a pre-paid Cashless Card to purchase food and beverages. Check out the dedicated area of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix website for more information.

Bin your rubbish

You'll find plenty of clearly marked bins for separating general waste from recyclables, so you don't have to carry your trash around all day!

Tickets

A valid ticket is required for entry into the circuit. Please ensure you have the correct ticket for the specific day you are attending, as tickets are non-transferrable for each day of the event.

Re-entry to the circuit is not permitted.

Children

Children under the age of five are prohibited from entering the circuit. Everyone wanting to access the circuit must have a valid ticket, including children. Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over 18 years of age.

Anyone under 18 years of age is prohibited from entering the Heineken Village sector of the circuit.

Circuit opening hours

• Friday: 08:00
• Saturday: 08:00
• Sunday: 08:00

Opening hours are local time and are subject to change. Check out the dedicated area of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix website for updates.

More information about specific session timings can be found on our full weekend track schedule, including details of all practice and qualifying sessions, support races, and other special events – plus, of course, the F1 Sprint timings and that crucial Sao Paulo Grand Prix start time.

Circuit entrances

There are multiple entrances into the circuit, and information about which access gate is best for you can be found on your ticket. You can also download the F1 Race Guide App and use the circuit map to see which entrance is best for you.

More information about travelling to and from the circuit can be found on our dedicated Sao Paulo Grand Prix travel page.

Accessibility

Interlagos is an accessible track and caters for fans with disabilities and reduced mobility.

All grandstands, the Fanzone, and VIP areas within the circuit are accessible to individuals with disabilities and reduced mobility, and include appropriate restroom facilities.

Forbidden items

Bag checks will be conducted at all entrances, and we advise packing lightly for a faster clearance through security. For everyone's safety, the following items are amongst those not permitted within the circuit, including (but not limited to):

• Illegal substances
• Weapons – including firearms, knives, pepper spray, nightsticks, handcuffs
• Explosives – including fireworks, flares, incendiary devices
• Sharp objects – including umbrellas with pointy tip, stick flags
• Chains or poles – including wallet chains, studded belts, selfie sticks, camera poles, tripods, monopods
• Any object that could potentially injure others
• Professional video cameras or recording devices
• Drones
• Unauthorized transportation – including bicycles, scooters, skateboards, longboards, hoverboards, skates, golf carts
• Animals or pets (exception of service dogs)
• Stuffed toys or animals
• Musical instruments
• Coolers, thermoses, or ice chests
• Glass containers or cans
• Tents or canopies – including blankets
• Chairs, seat pillows or backrests
• Unauthorized promotional or commercial material, including merchandise
• Signs or posters larger than 2m X 1.5m or attached to a pole
• Signs and posters containing obscene or offensive language or images
• Items used to block views or interfere with guests’ experience
• Safety hazards, annoyances, or items used to block views or interfere with guest experience – including balls, balloons, projectiles, horns, radios, bells, whistles, laser pointers

If you are found with a prohibited item, it will be confiscated and disposed of, and in some cases, you will be banned from entering. Refusal to be searched upon entry may result in not being admitted into the circuit, without a refund.

Up to three food items per person will be allowed. The items must be properly sealed and in their original packaging, except in the case of fruit, which must be cut and packaged in transparent, non-rigid packaging. Whole fruit will not be allowed.

More information and the full list of prohibited items is available to view on the dedicated page of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix website.

When exiting the circuit, the removal of any event infrastructure (signage, televisions, telephones, etc.) is prohibited.

Food and drink inside the circuit

There is plenty of food and drink on offer around the circuit, including a range of fast food and finger food options, as well as soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. Refreshment bars are located in the various spectator areas.

The F1 Race Guide App is a useful port of call for the locations of food and beverage stalls.

Certain sections of the circuit require use of a pre-paid Cashless Card to purchase food and beverages. Check out the dedicated area of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix website for more information.

Don't forget that you can bring up to three items of food per person into the circuit. These three items must be properly sealed and in their original packaging, except for fruits, which must be cut and packaged in flexible, transparent packaging e.g. zip lock bags.

In and around the circuit

Fans can download the official F1 Race Guide App to help with wayfinding around the circuit. Additionally, there are wayfinding signs at various points throughout the circuit.

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