Step behind the scenes of Formula 1: our reporters were at every Grand Prix in 2025, including São Paulo. Not just online, but in our magazine, we share our experiences. Part 21 of 24: Frank Woestenburg on a robbery in Brazil.
The GP in Brazil is an annual highlight for a racing purist like myself. The Autódromo José Carlos Pace, better known as Interlagos, is a circuit that embodies what a track should be—authentic, challenging, and steeped in history. But it’s not always a joyride.
São Paulo is a city of stark contrasts. A raw metropolis, as a colleague aptly described it during his first encounter with the glaring disparities between rich and poor. The São Paulo metropolitan area boasts around 25 million residents, with over two million living in favelas or on the streets. Or rather, surviving.
Last year, I ventured—under careful guidance—into the Interlagos favela, just a wall away from the F1 circuit. In these favelas, basic amenities like sewage, running water, and electricity are not a given for everyone. The people I spoke to were hustling in various ways to make a few bucks. They sold ponchos and bottles of water, washed cars, and rented out their homes or rooftops with a view of the circuit.
Threats Loom Over Formula 1 Event
But there’s a dark side to the glamour, as we all know. Robberies are a daily occurrence, especially when the billion-dollar circus of Formula 1 rolls into town. During previous visits to São Paulo, I often heard stories from colleagues about their harrowing experiences with theft, but I always managed to dodge the bullet—until now. This time, a fake taxi driver demanded a staggering $1,500 after my ride from the circuit to the hotel, using threats to back up his outrageous claim.
Fortunately, the financial damage was limited to some Brazilian coins, thanks to a credit card that refused to cooperate and a hefty dose of luck. The threats I faced prompted me to consult with hotel staff and find a different place to stay for my last night in a safer neighborhood. I can assure you, my most pleasant taxi ride was on Sunday evening to the airport.
Onward to next year! Because São Paulo is and always will be an unforgettable experience.
