Full race schedule & trackside tips for F1 fans attending the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos
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The 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix is on November 6-8
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Interlagos may not be the most modern circuit or the best organized race on the calendar, but these shortcomings are more than compensated by the amazing trackside atmosphere and friendly, passionate local fans. The circuit has a relatively small capacity, with no general admission areas and no infield access – though new grandstands have been added to meet increased demand in recent years. Attendance at the race has been rising steadily since 2016, reaching a record 304,000 fans over three days in 2025. Due to the better than average chance of poor weather at this race, we recommend considering a covered grandstand. It’s been confirmed that Brazil will remain on the F1 calendar until at least 2030. Interlagos will not host Formula 1’s sprint race format in 2026.
Interlagos: Entry & Prohibited Items
Gate Opening Times: The circuit gates open at 08:00 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There are no pass outs. Seven gates provide entry at Interlagos. Check the interactive map with gate locations here.
Circuit Entry for Children: Children aged 0-4 are not allowed to enter the circuit, whilst children aged between 5-11 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Children aged 12-15 can access the circuit if accompanied by a legal responsible person (above 18 years), with a written authorization signed by a parent or legal representative. Children aged 16-18 can enter the circuit without the need for authorization or being accompanied by a legal guardian.
Food & Drink: Each person is allowed to enter the circuit with up to three food items. Such items must be properly sealed and in their original packaging, except in the case of fruits which must be cut and kept in a ziplock bag. Whole fruits are not allowed. Bottles, cans or any other sharp container are also prohibited.
Prohibited Items: Included all kinds of guns and weapons, flammable and pyrotechnic materials, bulky items larger than 25 x 25 x 25cm (including coolers, folding chairs and large bags), and all glassware. Searches will be conducted upon entry.
Interlagos: Useful Information
How to Get There: Interlagos is served by the metro, which is the cheapest way to get to the circuit. Getting There & Around has all the options.
Trackside Food & Drink: Snack bars with food and drinks are located in the different spectator zones at Interlagos. All trackside purchases need to be made with a Cashless Consumer Card, which can be pre-loaded with credit.
Accessibility: All grandstands and spectator areas at Interlagos are wheelchair accessible
Circuit Zones: It’s not possible to walk to different parts of the circuit. Each spectator area is self-enclosed and has its own entrance.
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2026 São Paulo Grand Prix Schedule
On-Track Schedule: The full timetable for the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix will not be confirmed until around 4-6 weeks before race weekend. F1 session times for 2026 are confirmed and listed below. (View the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix schedule here.)
F1 Sprint: Brazil will not host an F1 sprint in 2026.
Support Categories: Not yet confirmed. In 2025, support categories were Porsche Sprint Challenge Brazil, Porsche Carrera Cup Brazil & F4 Brazilian Championship
Pit Lane Walk: This is not held for regular attendees at Interlagos. F1 Experiences does hold a pit lane walk on Thursday for selected guests. Guests in the Formula 1 Paddock Club and selected local hospitality suites can take part in daily pit lane walks at allotted times on Friday, Saturday & Sunday.
Friday, November 6
08:00: Gates Open
12:30-13:30: Formula 1 – Free Practice 1 (FP1)
16:00-17:00: Formula 1 – Free Practice 2 (FP2)
Saturday, November 7
08:00: Gates Open
11:30-12:30: Formula 1 – Free Practice 3 (FP3)
15:00-16:00: Formula 1 – Qualifying
Sunday, November 8
08:00: Gates Open
12:00-12:30: Drivers’ Parade (TBC)
13:15-13:44: Starting Grid Presentation (TBC)
13:44-13:46: National Anthem (TBC)
14:00-16:00: Formula 1 MSC Cruises Grande Prêmio De São Paulo 2026 (71 Laps or 120 mins)
Fan Zone
A new Fan Zone, behind G grandstand and next to Kartódromo Ayrton Senna, was introduced at Interlagos in 2024 (see spectator map above). Fans seated in the G, H, N, R and Porto grandstands are granted free entry to the Fan Zone, subject to capacity limits. Fans with seats in other grandstands need to purchase a separate ticket for the Fan Zone. In 2025, this cost 290 BRL (approx. $58 USD). Tickets will be available closer to race weekend from Eventim.
The Fan Zone has simulators, interactive F1 displays and a stage for driver appearances. In 2025, the F1 drivers appeared on either Friday morning (09:20-10:00) or Saturday morning (08:35-09:00). The full schedule of events and appearances in the Fan Zone will be available via this link closer to race weekend.
Interlagos: Tips & Advice
The weather is unpredictable at Interlagos and rain is common, so check the weather forecast and be prepared! There’s little shade from the sun, so pack your hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Even if warmer weather is forecast, it’s worth bringing a sweater as it can get cool and breezy in the afternoons.
If you’re sat in the cheapest “A” grandstand, be aware that these are concrete bleachers; bring along a small cushion or something to sit on.
Danielle Mota, our Brazil expert, advice on sitting in Sector A at Interlagos: “The atmosphere in this sector is amazing. There are people from all over Brazil and around the world. Everyone is friendly and just happy to be at Interlagos. Watching the GP from here is a unique experience.” Read more here.
Alice West went to the race in 2013: “Don’t bother packing an anorak for rain as you can buy a lightweight plastic poncho from vendors for next to nothing. Interlagos operates a no re-entry policy and they confiscate umbrellas, water and all sorts of other useful things on entry, so come with very little. Refreshingly, food and drink is pretty good and not expensive here and the toilets are clean and plentiful.” Read Alice’s report here
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