City: São Paulo, Brazil
Circuit: Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace
Date: November 6 – 8, 2026
Known affectionately as Interlagos, which means 'between the lakes,’ the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace is one of Formula 1's most beloved and historic circuits. Set in the south of São Paulo and running anti-clockwise, its undulating layout and unpredictable weather produce some of the most dramatic races of the season. This is Ayrton Senna's home race, and the emotion Interlagos carries for Brazilian fans, and the entire sport, never fades.
City Rating: ★★★★☆ Race Experience: ★★★★★
Our Verdict: Go for the Race — this is an emotional experience
THE CITY
São Paulo is enormous, chaotic and extraordinary. Brazil's largest city is a place of wild energy, creative culture, dramatic inequality and extraordinary warmth. Paulistas (São Paulo residents) are proud of their city in a way that defies its complexity. The Vila Madalena neighbourhood is all street art, bars and music. Liberdade is the largest Japanese community outside Japan. The food scene is genuinely world-class. For African visitors, Brazil carries deep cultural significance. The country's African heritage is visible and celebrated in its music, food and culture.
PRACTICAL FOR AFRICAN TRAVELLERS
November in São Paulo is early summer, so it’s typically warm but with frequent rain. Thunderstorms are common and can be intense. Pack light layers and waterproof gear. Safety is a genuine consideration in São Paulo, so stay aware of your surroundings and use Uber rather than hailing taxis on the street. Flights from across Africa typically connect through Lisbon, London and Paris.
WHAT TO EAT
Brazilian food is extraordinary! Dig into some Churrasco (barbecue), feijoada (black bean and pork stew), fresh tropical fruits, açaí, brigadeiros (chocolate truffles) and the best steak you will eat anywhere. Coffee is strong and taken seriously. Boteco culture, casual neighbourhood bars with food, is a São Paulo mainstay.
THE RACE EXPERIENCE
Interlagos is one of the most emotional circuits in Formula 1. The anti-clockwise layout, the altitude changes and the notoriously unpredictable weather produce some of the most dramatic races of the season year after year. This is Ayrton Senna's home circuit, considered by many to be the greatest driver in the sport's history, and that weight of history is felt every time F1 visits. The Brazilian crowd is among the most passionate and emotional in the sport.
THE HONEST WORD
Safety in São Paulo requires awareness, so you have to be vigilant with valuables, use Uber and avoid walking in unfamiliar areas at night. It should not stop you going. The city and the race are both extraordinary, but it requires more street sense than most European destinations. As an African, you can’t get caught slipping!