The Brazilian Grand Prix has delivered some of the most dramatic and emotional moments in Formula 1 since the turn of the century. Interlagos is a circuit that thrives on unpredictability, weather swings, and high-stakes championship showdowns. Here are ten standout moments from 2000 onward that define the magic of the Brazil GP.
1. Kimi Räikkönen Wins the 2007 Title
The 2007 Brazilian Grand Prix was one of the most shocking title deciders in F1 history. Kimi Räikkönen started the race third in the championship, seven points behind Lewis Hamilton and four behind Fernando Alonso. Hamilton’s gearbox issues and a costly off-track moment opened the door for Ferrari. Räikkönen won the race, with Felipe Massa letting him through to secure maximum points. Against all odds, he became world champion by a single point.
2. Lewis Hamilton’s Last-Corner Glory in 2008
The 2008 finale is etched into F1 history. Felipe Massa won the race and thought he had secured the championship in front of his home crowd. But in the final corner of the final lap, Hamilton passed Timo Glock, who was struggling on dry tyres in wet conditions. That overtake gave Hamilton fifth place and the point he needed to win his first world championship. It was the sport’s most dramatic finish in decades.
3. Vettel’s Comeback in 2012
Sebastian Vettel entered the 2012 race as the title favorite but suffered a first-lap collision with Bruno Senna, dropping to the back with car damage. What followed was a masterclass in recovery and composure. Vettel climbed through the field to finish sixth, enough to secure his third consecutive world title ahead of Fernando Alonso. Rain, safety cars, and constant tension made it a classic Interlagos showdown.
4. Fisichella’s Rain Chaos Victory in 2003
The 2003 race started on a damp track and quickly descended into chaos. Multiple crashes and constant rain brought out several safety cars before the race was red-flagged. Confusion followed as to who had won. Initially, Kimi Räikkönen was declared the victor, but after a review, Giancarlo Fisichella was awarded the win days later—his first in F1. The race captured Interlagos’ reputation for mayhem.
5. Massa’s Emotional Home Triumph in 2006
Felipe Massa became the first Brazilian to win his home Grand Prix since Ayrton Senna in 1993. Starting from pole, he dominated from start to finish, winning by more than ten seconds. The crowd erupted as he crossed the line wearing a helmet painted in Senna’s colors. It was a defining moment of pride for Brazil and one of the most emotional podiums in modern F1.
6. Mark Webber Ends His F1 Career with a Podium (2013)
The 2013 Brazil GP marked Mark Webber’s final Formula 1 race. Starting fourth, he battled his way to second place behind team-mate Sebastian Vettel. On the cooldown lap, he removed his helmet to wave to the fans, capturing one of the most iconic images of his career. It was a fitting farewell for one of the sport’s most respected drivers.
7. Max Verstappen’s Wet-Weather Masterclass (2016)
In torrential rain, the 2016 race showcased Max Verstappen’s brilliance. After a late pit stop dropped him to 16th with 16 laps remaining, he produced an astonishing drive, overtaking car after car to finish third. His car control and precision in the wet drew comparisons to Senna’s legendary rain performances, announcing Verstappen as a future superstar.
8. Hamilton’s Penalty and Redemption Drive (2018)
In 2018, Lewis Hamilton didn’t win the race, but Mercedes clinched the constructors’ championship thanks to his effort. Max Verstappen had been leading until contact with Esteban Ocon while lapping him spun both cars. Hamilton inherited the victory, securing Mercedes another double title. The race mixed controversy, drama, and classic Interlagos unpredictability.
9. Gasly’s First Podium in a Photo Finish (2019)
The 2019 Brazilian GP delivered chaos and joy in equal measure. A late collision between the Ferraris and a crash involving Lewis Hamilton and Alex Albon reshuffled the order. Pierre Gasly held off Hamilton in a drag race to the finish line to take second place, securing his first F1 podium. It was redemption after his demotion from Red Bull earlier that year.
10. George Russell’s First F1 Win (2022)
The 2022 São Paulo Grand Prix saw George Russell take his first career victory after a dominant performance. He led from the sprint race through to Sunday’s main event, controlling both restarts and keeping Lewis Hamilton behind to seal a Mercedes one-two. The result ended Mercedes’ winless streak that season and marked the start of Russell’s rise as a front-runner.
Closing Thoughts
Interlagos has been the stage for unforgettable highs, heartbreaking lows, and defining championship moments. From Hamilton’s final-corner heroics to Verstappen’s wet-weather magic, the Brazilian Grand Prix remains one of Formula 1’s most thrilling races. Every year, it proves why it deserves its place as a fan favorite and why no F1 season feels complete without the drama of Sao Paulo.
