Formula 1 confirms Sao Paulo’s Interlagos contract extension through 2035

By Vancouver Television Sports Desk

Formula 1 has confirmed that the Sao Paulo Grand Prix will remain on the Formula 1 calendar through 2035 after reaching a five-year contract extension for the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, better known as Interlagos. The announcement extends Formula 1’s long-standing relationship with a circuit that has hosted races for more than 50 years and has repeatedly delivered high-profile, close racing in front of large Brazilian crowds.

Interlagos is described by Formula 1 as a venue with an undulating layout that, combined with Brazil’s motorsport culture, has produced memorable wheel-to-wheel action. Formula 1 also highlighted that six Drivers’ Championships have been decided in Sao Paulo, citing title-winning performances by current drivers Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton.

In support of its decision, Formula 1 pointed to growth in the event’s reach and attendance. It said Brazil’s fanbase has reached 75.8 million people, with 44% female and 41% under the age of 35, and noted that attendance at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix climbed to 303,627 in 2025, up from 291,717 the previous year. The sport also cited its local economic impact, saying the 2025 event contributed R$2.3 billion to Sao Paulo, a 9.7% increase compared with the 2024 record.

The extension announcement also came alongside reference to wider engagement initiatives. Formula 1 said it reached an agreement last year with Brazilian broadcaster Globo, giving paying SporTV subscribers the option to watch every on-track session live and on-demand, with additional free-to-air live coverage of 15 Grands Prix available throughout the season.

Formula 1 said the City of Sao Paulo, through the office of Mayor Ricardo Nunes, will continue to invest to deliver what it calls a world-class spectacle at Interlagos. In the announcement, Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, framed the extension as both a continuation of history and a commitment to the sport’s future in Brazil, adding that Interlagos’ atmosphere is distinctive whenever F1 returns to the circuit.

Domenicali thanked Nunes and Alan Adler, President and CEO of Sao Paulo Grand Prix, for what Formula 1 described as continued commitment and investment. He also said Brazil has produced 33 Formula 1 drivers and referenced Gabriel Bortoleto and Rafael Camara racing this weekend in front of a home crowd, positioning the renewed deal as underlining Formula 1’s long-term support for the country.

Nunes, Mayor of Sao Paulo, said the renewal for a further five years is a significant achievement for the city and described the wider benefits tied to the event, including economic activity, job creation, tourism and an enhanced international profile. He added that Formula 1 supports a broad range of sectors, from hotels and restaurants to retail and services, and argued that the partnership brings predictability for investment and strengthens Sao Paulo’s position as a global host city.

Alan Adler, CEO of Sao Paulo Grand Prix, also responded to the confirmation, calling the extension of the contract until 2035 a source of pride. He described Interlagos as a circuit admired by drivers, teams and fans worldwide and credited modernization efforts supported by the city’s leadership, saying the partnership has been fundamental to the event’s growth and success.

With the agreement now extending through 2035, Formula 1 has tied its decision to the circuit’s historic role, recent growth in attendance and impact metrics, and continued municipal investment aimed at sustaining Interlagos as a key destination on the F1 calendar. The deal also reinforces the sport’s media and broadcasting strategy in Brazil through the ongoing Globo and SporTV arrangements referenced in the announcement.