Brazilian Grand Prix: Stats and figures you should know ahead of the F1 race

Formula 1 returns to Interlagos this weekend for the next instalment of the Brazilian Grand Prix. The race, hugely popular among fans and drivers, always seems to deliver something to write home about, and this year proves to be no different.

The Autódromo José Carlos Pace, to go by its formal name, has been on the F1 calendar since 1973. However, the circuit in Sao Paulo only hosted 37 GPs in the country. The other 10 races were held at Jacarepagua in Rio de Janeiro. Yet, despite its absence from 1981 to 1989, Interlagos has always been synonymous with F1, and 2022 will be the Brazilian GP's 38th running at the famous circuit.

Frenchman Alain Prost has won the Brazilian GP on six occasions, while Michael Schumacher could only stand on the podium's top step four times. Of the current drivers, Sebastian Vettel won three times, followed by Lewis Hamilton (two) and Max Verstappen (one).

About Interlagos

Construction on Interlagos began in 1938, and the designers are said to have taken inspiration from three renowned circuits of the time: Brooklands (UK), Roosevelt Raceway (USA), and Montlhery (France). It would explain the circuit's banked corners and the aggressive camber changes from the start to the end of the lap, especially the twisting Sector 2.

The best overtaking opportunity comes at Turn 1, aided by the DRS zone that runs from Turn 15 toward the first turn. Another chance for overtaking comes into Turn 4, provided the chasing driver gets a good exit out of the Senna S (Turns 1 to 3). The first DRS zone of the lap is on the straight between Turns 3 and 4.

The Interlagos circuit is 4.309km long and has not seen many changes over the years. Though it can be adapted to an oval race, the track's as-is design offers a