The Brazilian Grand Prix is held at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace (commonly known as Interlagos) in São Paulo. The track is renowned for its challenging mix of elevation changes, technical sectors, and high-speed corners. It is one of the few circuits on the Formula 1 calendar that runs counter-clockwise, which can be more physically taxing on drivers. Here’s a detailed analysis of each sector and turn of the Interlagos circuit.

Sector Breakdown

Sector 1: High-Speed Start and Technical Cornering

Turn 1 (Senna ‘S’)

• The opening sequence begins with a sharp left-hander at Turn 1.

• This corner is downhill and blind on entry, so drivers have to brake while turning, balancing the car carefully to avoid locking up.

• The corner tightens progressively, making it easy to overshoot if not approached correctly.

• Named after Ayrton Senna, this corner is a prime overtaking spot due to the heavy braking zone from the main straight.

Turn 2 (Senna ‘S’)

• Immediately following Turn 1, Turn 2 is a sweeping right-hander.

• Maintaining traction here is critical for drivers as they try to carry speed through to the following corner, as any slip or error in Turn 2 can compromise acceleration through Turn 3.

• The curvature forces the car leftward, setting up for Turn 3.

Turn 3 (Curva do Sol)

• Turn 3 is a long, gradual left-hander taken at high speed.

• Drivers aim to carry maximum speed here to achieve the best possible acceleration onto the back straight, the Reta Oposta.

• Precision in Turns 1 and 2 is crucial for optimizing the line through Turn 3, as the Reta Oposta straight follows immediately.

Reta Oposta (Back Straight)

• This straight allows drivers to reach high speeds and is a second DRS zone.

• It’s another overtaking hotspot, especially during the race.

Sector 2: Technical Middle Sector

Turn 4 (Descida do Lago)

• At the end of Reta Oposta, drivers brake hard for the left-hander of Turn 4.

• The track dips here, hence the name "Descida do Lago" (Descent to the Lake).

• This corner is critical for overtaking and requires careful throttle control as the track surface can be slippery, especially in wet conditions.

Turn 5

• A slight left-hand kink that follows immediately after Turn 4.

• This is taken at full throttle as drivers prepare for the following corners.

• The balance here is key as drivers aim for the ideal racing line.

Turn 6 (Ferradura)

• Ferradura, or "Horseshoe," is a right-hand corner that marks the start of the technical, twisty middle section.

• The track climbs slightly through this turn, which is crucial for setting up the line for the rest of the sector.

• It requires a smooth entry and balanced braking, with drivers maintaining good momentum to avoid compromising the next turn.

Turn 7

• A right-hander immediately following Ferradura, it’s taken at medium speed.

• Drivers need to balance throttle and steering carefully here to maintain stability through to Turn 8.

Turn 8 (Laranjinha)

• A tight, uphill left-hander, Laranjinha is tricky due to its elevation and camber.

• Precision is vital as this corner can easily destabilize the car if the entry is too aggressive.

• Maintaining momentum here is challenging, and it’s key to getting a smooth entry into the next corner.

Turn 9

• A short, left-hand corner where drivers begin descending slightly.

• It’s a relatively minor turn but essential for setting up the car’s position for the next corner sequence.

Turn 10 (Pinheirinho)

• This corner is a tighter right-hander that leads directly into Turn 11.

• Braking stability is critical here, as drivers need to prepare for a quick transition between Turns 10 and 11.

• Mistakes here can cost drivers valuable tenths of a second in the following corners.

Turn 11 (Bico de Pato)

• Named "Duck’s Beak," this is one of the slowest turns on the track, with a sharp left-hand profile.

• This corner requires heavy braking and smooth handling to get back on throttle cleanly.

• It’s very challenging as it requires precise throttle control to avoid understeering wide on exit.

Sector 3: Uphill Acceleration and High-Speed Finish

Turn 12 (Mergulho)

• This is a sweeping left-hand corner that begins the final uphill climb.

• Mergulho, or "The Dive," is taken at high speed as drivers accelerate toward the finish of the lap.

• It’s essential to get a strong exit here to maximize speed through the following turns, as they are all taken flat out.

Turn 13

• This is essentially a kink, but it plays an important role as drivers are now full-throttle.

• The track continues to climb here, adding a physical challenge as drivers work against gravity to reach top speed.

Turn 14 (Juncao)

• Juncao is a sharp left-hander at the top of the hill and the last significant corner before the straight.

• Getting a good exit here is crucial, as it sets up the run along the high-speed, uphill main straight.

• Any mistake here can be costly as it will affect speed all the way up the straight.

Turn 15

• Another small kink on the main straight; technically it’s the last "turn" of the lap.

• Cars take it at full throttle as they speed towards the start/finish line.

• Drivers activate DRS here during qualifying and overtaking maneuvers in the race.

  

  Sector 3, Corner 12

Key Aspects of the Track

1. Elevation Changes: Interlagos has significant uphill and downhill sections, adding an extra layer of challenge for both drivers and car setup.

2. Corner Variety: The mix of slow corners, sweeping turns, and high-speed straights makes this track a demanding test of driving skills.

3. Overtaking: The Senna S (Turns 1-3) and Reta Oposta offer good overtaking opportunities, particularly with DRS.

The Interlagos circuit rewards precision, speed, and strategic positioning, making it a favorite among drivers and fans. Its unique layout means every sector demands a different approach, and weather can often throw in an unpredictable element, as São Paulo is known for sudden rain.

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