Why was the Brazilian GP re-branded as Sao Paulo GP?
The Brazilian Grand Prix was rebranded in its return to Formula One in 2022 as the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
F1(via IMAGO)
The Brazilian Grand Prix is a veteran of the Formula One calendar, joining the championship in 1973 and rarely leaving since. The GP has held some of the most exciting races ever in F1. The World Drivers’ Championship was decided five times in a row in Brazil, all at the historical Autódromo de Interlagos.
The race was not held in 2020 and 2021 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic but returned in 2022 with a different name. Now called the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, it was still held in the same city in the same circuit. But there was a reason behind the change in name 50 years after the first Brazilian GP was hosted.
Rio de Janiero challenged to hold the Brazilian event in place of Sao Paulo, and the contract promoters changed the name to the Sao Paulo Grand Prix to protect the venue from changing. Interlagos is now contracted to hold the race until at least the end of 2025.
The name change also helps bring international attention to the city, promoting tourism and business there. The Mexican Grand Prix followed suit, now called the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Felipe Massa likely not to attend his home Grand Prix owing to 2008 title controversy
Felipe Massa is currently fighting in court to reverse the results of the 2008 World Championship, originally won by Lewis Hamilton. Massa believes that the FIA did not declare the points earned in the Singapore Grand Prix invalid even with knowledge that Renault rigged the race.
As the situation has developed, tensions between Massa and the FIA have increased, and he has claimed that the FIA told him not to attend the Italian Grand Prix. He canceled his appearance at Suzuka as ambassador as well. Now, with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix coming up in his home country, he told reporters that he may not attend.
The only thing I know is that F1 asked me not to go to the Monza race. I was also going to go to the Japan race [as ambassador] and I didn’t go. About Brazil, nothing was discussed, we haven’t had any contact since that moment before Monza until now, so…
Massa as reported by motorsport.com
Massa is a national hero in Brazil, and his absence from the Grand Prix may upset many. After Nelson Piquet Sr was banned from the paddock indefinitely for racist comments, Brazilian fans are left with two of their most successful drivers absent in their home event.
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Justin P Joy
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