What's Happening?
Formula 1 has announced a five-year contract extension for the São Paulo Grand Prix, ensuring the race will continue at Brazil's Interlagos circuit until at least 2035. This agreement extends the current contract, which was set to expire in 2030, and includes
commitments from São Paulo city authorities to invest further in the Autódromo José Carlos Pace and its facilities. Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali highlighted Brazil's historical significance to the sport and the extraordinary passion of its fans. The announcement was made during the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix weekend. Formula 1 reports a growing fanbase in Brazil, with 75.8 million fans, a 6.5% increase between 2024 and 2025. Women constitute 44% of Brazilian supporters, and 41% are under 35. The championship also boasts nearly 5.5 million followers in Brazil across its social media platforms. The São Paulo Grand Prix has seen increased attendance, reaching 303,627 spectators in 2025, up from 291,717 in 2024.
Why It's Important?
This contract extension is significant for both Formula 1 and the city of São Paulo. For Formula 1, it solidifies its presence in a key market with a passionate and growing fanbase, ensuring the continuity of one of its most iconic races. The Interlagos circuit has been the venue for six F1 Drivers' World Championships, contributing to its legendary status. For São Paulo, the Grand Prix is a major economic driver. The event generated an estimated economic impact of 2.3 billion reais for the city in 2025, a 9.7% increase over the previous year. São Paulo Mayor Ricardo Nunes emphasized that the extension provides certainty for investment, supports employment, boosts tourism, and enhances the city's international profile. The event benefits various sectors, including hotels, restaurants, retail, and services, creating income and opportunities for the local population. The long-term commitment also allows for better planning and further improvements to the venue and supporting infrastructure.
What's Next?
With the contract secured until 2035, Formula 1, local organizers, and city authorities will have a longer planning horizon for future improvements to the Interlagos venue. This extended period is expected to facilitate more substantial investments in the circuit and its surrounding infrastructure, further enhancing the fan experience and operational efficiency of the Grand Prix. The São Paulo Mayor's office has committed to continued investment, although specific financial details and project plans were not immediately disclosed. The agreement also follows a separate broadcasting deal with Brazilian television network Globo, which covers the championship through 2028, ensuring broad media coverage for the sport in Brazil. The next São Paulo Grand Prix is scheduled for November 5-7, 2027, with Interlagos now guaranteed a place on the Formula 1 calendar for another nine seasons.
Beyond the Headlines
The long-term commitment to the São Paulo Grand Prix reflects a broader strategy by Formula 1 to solidify its presence in established markets while also expanding into new territories. Brazil's deep historical connection to Formula 1, having produced 33 drivers and hosted numerous memorable races, makes it a cornerstone of the sport's global appeal. The continued investment in Interlagos underscores the value placed on circuits with rich heritage and passionate fan bases, even as the sport explores new venues. This extension also highlights the growing economic impact of major sporting events on host cities, demonstrating how such partnerships can drive local economies through tourism, job creation, and international exposure. The demographic data, showing a significant percentage of young and female fans, indicates a healthy and expanding audience for Formula 1 in Brazil, suggesting sustained interest and growth potential for years to come.
