Brazilian Grand Prix 2026: Schedule and Track Guide
The Brazilian Grand Prix 2026 was round 20 of 23, run at Interlagos in São Paulo on Sunday, November 8. Lando Norris won from pole, Max Verstappen was second from 21st on the grid and Mercedes clinched the constructors’ title. This guide has the weekend schedule in US Eastern time and the main facts about the circuit.
Updated November 10, 2026. Race report: São Paulo GP 2026 results.
Brazilian Grand Prix 2026 schedule in US Eastern time
Times are Eastern. US daylight saving time ends on November 1, so the weekend falls on standard time. Brazil does not change its clocks. Subtract one hour for Central and three hours for Pacific.
| Session | Day | Eastern |
|---|---|---|
| Practice 1 | Friday, Nov 6 | 10:30 a.m. |
| Practice 2 | Friday, Nov 6 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Practice 3 | Saturday, Nov 7 | 9:30 a.m. |
| Qualifying | Saturday, Nov 7 | 1:00 p.m. |
| Grand Prix | Sunday, Nov 8 | 12:00 p.m. |
The race runs for 71 laps or two hours, whichever comes first. Session times can be adjusted, so confirm them on the day.
Start times across US time zones
Because the race started at noon Eastern, it fell in the late morning for viewers in Central time and early morning on the West Coast.
About the Interlagos circuit
The official name is Autódromo José Carlos Pace. The lap is 2.68 miles (4.309 kilometers) long and runs anticlockwise, which is unusual on the calendar. The track sits more than 2,300 feet (700 meters) above sea level and has big changes in elevation. Seventy-one laps cover about 190 miles (306 kilometers).
The lap starts with the Senna S, a downhill left-right sequence just after the start line, which is a common place for first-lap contact. The long run back up to the start-finish straight gives drivers a good chance to overtake. The mix of slow corners and a long straight is why the race often produces position changes.
How a standard weekend works
With no sprint, the weekend follows the classic pattern. Friday has two practice sessions, Saturday has a final practice and qualifying, and Sunday is the race. Teams use Friday to learn the track and test tire wear, and use Saturday morning for final adjustments. Our qualifying guide explains how the Saturday session sets the grid.
Because the circuit runs anticlockwise, drivers’ necks take more load from the corners on one side. The elevation changes also affect how the car handles through a lap. These are the kinds of details teams study on Friday.
Weather and strategy
São Paulo weather can change quickly in November, and rain has affected the race in earlier years. Safety cars have also been common at Interlagos. Teams plan for several outcomes. Our guides to tire compounds and pit stops explain how strategy works when the weather turns.
Where Brazil fits in the November run
Brazil is the middle race of a closing stretch that sends the series from Mexico City to Las Vegas and then to the Middle East.
| Round | Race | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 19 | Mexico City | November 1 |
| 20 | Brazil | November 8 |
| 21 | Las Vegas | November 21 |
| 22 | Qatar | November 29 |
| 23 | Abu Dhabi | December 6 |
There is a two-week gap between Brazil and Las Vegas, which gives teams time to move equipment. See our Mexico City guide and Las Vegas guide for the neighboring races.
What is at stake in the championship
After Brazil, the season had three races left. The drivers’ title is already decided: Kimi Antonelli clinched it in Mexico City and is the youngest champion in F1 history. Going into São Paulo the fight was for second place, where Max Verstappen (261), Lewis Hamilton (259) and George Russell (250) were close, and for the constructors’ title, which Mercedes led by 126 points and clinched in the race. See the latest F1 standings and the Mexico City GP 2026 results. Our November title guide covers the points scenarios, and the points system guide explains how points are scored.
How to watch in the US
See our how to watch F1 in the US guide for broadcast options. The race started at noon Eastern, so it worked as a Sunday lunchtime watch in most US time zones.
Brazilian Grand Prix 2026: frequently asked questions
When is the Brazilian Grand Prix 2026?
Sunday, November 8, 2026, with the race at 12:00 p.m. Eastern.
Is the Brazil GP a sprint weekend in 2026?
No. It is a standard weekend with three practice sessions and one qualifying session.
How many laps is the Brazilian Grand Prix?
71 laps, or two hours if that limit is reached first.
What time is qualifying in US time?
Saturday, November 7, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern.
How long is the Interlagos circuit?
2.68 miles (4.309 kilometers) per lap.
Which direction do cars run at Interlagos?
Anticlockwise, which is unusual on the calendar.
This article is part of our F1 2026 season hub.
Alex is the editor of Apexline, an independent Formula 1 and US motorsport site for American fans. Alex writes race previews, results and rule explainers, checks every result, point total and session time against formula1.com and the FIA, and converts race times to Eastern, Central and Pacific time. Read how we work in our editorial policy: https://vantage97.design/editorial-policy/
