Interlagos on track to add another 5 years to the F1 calendar

Will the Autodromo José Carlos Pace remain on the World Championship calendar for 5 more years? Formula 1 ? We are clearly taking the path given the latest developments coming to us from Brazil. 

The governor of São Paulo, João Doria, announced this Thursday that Interlagos was about to sign a new 5-year contract with Liberty Media, holder of the commercial rights to the premier discipline.

While the famous São Paulo route was to be replaced in 2021 by a new track built in Rio de Janeiro with the support of Auriverde President Jair Bolsonaro, the provisional timetable unveiled on Tuesday indicated that São Paulo had finally obtained a one-year reprieve.

Contacted by AUTOhebdo, the FOM simply responded through a spokesperson that “ we do not comment on trade negotiations and agreements ».

Doria's statement comes as local elections are currently taking place in São Paulo and the city's mayor, Bruno Covas, is seeking a new term. According to our information, the councilor cannot sign any contract during this electoral period but a 5-year extension for Interlagos is indeed in the pipeline. 

Liberty has, however, done everything to support the new runway project in Rio but the necessary authorizations have not yet materialized. I have to say that the plans presented provide for the destruction of green spaces, which did not fail to trigger the ire of local residents and environmental defense associations. 

By signing a new 5-year lease with Interlagos, the FOM hopes to give Rio organizers time to carry out their business. In the meantime, F1 should therefore continue to take place on one of the most popular historic tracks on the plateau.