The land for the circuit was originally bought in 1926 by property developers. Following difficulties, it was decided to build a racing circuit instead, with construction starting in 1938. The track was inaugurated on 12 May 1940 by Adhemar de Barros, the federal intervener of the state of São Paulo. Its design was inspired by tracks such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the United States, Brooklands in England, and Montlhéry in France.
The traditional name, Interlagos, comes from its location between two large artificial lakes, Guarapiranga and Billings. The name was suggested by French architect Alfred Agache. In 1985, the circuit was renamed Autódromo José Carlos Pace to honor Formula 1 driver José Carlos Pace, who died in a plane crash in 1977. His body was transferred to the circuit in August 2024 to be laid to rest, making him the first deceased driver ever to be buried in a race circuit.
Formula One started racing at Interlagos in 1972 with a non-championship race won by Carlos Reutemann. The first World Championship Brazilian Grand Prix was held there in 1973, won by Emerson Fittipaldi. Due to safety concerns with the original layout, the last Formula One race on that layout was in 1980. Formula One returned in 1990 after the circuit was shortened and modified.
Interlagos was not built on flat terrain; it follows the ups and downs of hilly ground. This makes it harder to drive and demands more power from car engines. The circuit runs counterclockwise, which pushes drivers' necks to the right due to centrifugal forces. The region where the track is located is known for rapid weather changes, with common outbursts of rain, adding unpredictability to races.
Race start is in the "Tribunas" section, featuring a long straight with an upward inclination. This leads to "S do Senna" (the Senna S), a pair of alternating downward turns. "S do Senna" connects with "Curva do Sol" (Curve of the Sun), a large-radius left turn leading to "Reta Oposta" (Opposite Straight), the track's longest straight. "Reta Oposta" is followed by "Descida do Lago" (Lake's Descent), a pair of downhill left turns. The circuit then features a slow section with turns like "Ferradura" (Horseshoe), "Laranjinha" (Little Orange), "Pinheirinho" (Little Pine Tree), "Bico de Pato" (Duck Bill), and "Mergulho" (Dive). "Junção" (Junction) leads into "Café" (Coffee), an uphill kink that marks the start of a long top-speed section. Rising through "Subida dos Boxes" (Up to the Pits), drivers encounter a long uphill left turn. "Arquibancadas" (Bleachers), a wide high-velocity left turn, connects to the "Tribunas" straight to complete the final section.
Interlagos hosts various current events including Mil Milhas Brasil, Fórmula Truck, Porsche Cup Brasil, TCR South America Touring Car Championship, Stock Car Pro Series, FIA World Endurance Championship 6 Hours of São Paulo, and the Formula One São Paulo Grand Prix. Former events include the Brazilian motorcycle Grand Prix in 1992, Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft in 1996, and the FIA GT1 World Championship in 2010.
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