Why are So Many Formula 1 Drivers From Brazil?

How a History of Infatuation, Innovation, and Identity Fuelled Brazil’s Formula 1 Dominance

When people picture Formula 1, they often think of Europe’s legendary circuits and the powerhouse manufacturers that define the sport’s prestige. But when you ask someone to name the greatest Formula 1 driver of all time, one name consistently rises above the rest: Ayrton Senna. A native of São Paulo, Brazil, Senna amassed 41 wins, 80 podiums, and 65 pole positions in just 162 races. Beyond the numbers, his fearless driving style and unwavering perseverance made him a nationally and globally beloved hero, cementing his place as one of the greatest drivers of all time. 

Alongside Senna, Brazil has produced legends like Fittipaldi and Piquet, and currently boasts talent across Formula 1, feeder formula series, and F1 Academy. Considering that Brazil is so far from the geographical heart of motorsport, why are so many Formula 1 drivers from Brazil? What makes this country such a racing powerhouse?

The answer is rooted in a history fuelled by modernist ambition, scenic drives, and a people driven by speed. The phenomenon of Brazilian motorsport dates back to the nineteenth century, when the Industrial Revolution transformed the world with technological advancement. Countries like France and England had developed new technology in manufacturing, making them the gold standard for innovation and modernity. 

Naturally, everyone around the world wanted a piece of the action. The advent of the automobile crossing the ocean marked a moment that caught the attention of the Americas, especially Brazil. Brazil was undergoing its own revolution of sorts, building up the infrastructure to accommodate incoming changes from Europe. Two cities stood at the centre of this transformation: Rio de Janeiro, the political and cultural capital, and São Paulo, the industrial and economic centre.

It was in São Paulo that Brazil’s motorsport story truly began. In 1908, Washington Luís, then a secretary in the state government and later president, proposed a race through the city’s outskirts after realising the potential of the roads during a leisurely drive. He brought the idea to São Paulo’s elite, and soon the Auto Club of São Paulo was born. On July 26, 1908, Brazil held its first race: a rally-style event with staggered starts and five vehicle categories, each featuring imported European cars and Pirelli tyres. 

Participation was limited to the wealthy, with rules in place that explicitly barred “professionals” such as mechanics and factory workers. Beyond these restrictions, simply buying an automobile required the equivalent of 25 months’ wages for the average Brazilian factory worker. Despite its exclusivity, the race captured public attention. Spectators flocked to see 11 drivers of Brazilian, Italian, and foreign origins compete, with the success of that first event launching a wave of motorsport activity across the country and continent. 

Races popped up in Argentina, Uruguay, and multiple Brazilian states, transforming the sport into a symbol of modernity, speed, and prestige.

By the 1920s, São Paulo and Rio both had their own official circuits. American auto giants like Ford and General Motors had established factories in the country, making automobiles more accessible to the working class and pushing motorsports beyond aristocratic circles. As a result, racing began to reflect a connection to national identity more than it did to class hierarchy. 

São Paulo, home to the Auto Club and increasing industrial investment, continued to emerge as South America’s racing and economic capital. This rise was abruptly hindered by the global financial crash of 1929, forcing the sport onto the back burner. Racing moved to Rio, where the FIA-certified Rio de Janeiro Grand Prix was held from 1933 to 1954 and attracted international crowds. Even French female racing pioneer Mariette Hélène Delangle made an appearance behind the wheel at its inaugural race.

Despite the shift to Rio and economic ruin, São Paulo didn’t stay quiet for long. In 1940, the region rose from the ashes with the unveiling of Interlagos, an FIA-certified and purpose-built circuit that would become the heart of Brazilian racing. With increasing safety concerns at the Rio circuit and the homegrown love for racing in São Paulo, Interlagos became the premier venue for future F1 talent. In its early days, the circuit hosted legends like Argentinian Juan Manuel Fangio and Brazil’s first homegrown hero, Chico Landi. 

As Brazil established its own automotive industry in the 1950s, a new generation of racers and innovators emerged. Some embraced the ambitious dream of crafting their own Formula 1 cars from spare parts, while others sought out a place on the grid. The sport’s air of exclusivity began to dissipate, and motorsport evolved into a broader expression of national pride, grit, and ingenuity for the people of Brazil.

By the time modern Formula 1 finally arrived in Brazil, the country wasn’t just ready to host the world, it was ready to beat it. What followed was a golden era of Brazilian drivers who would change the face of Formula 1 forever. São Paulo native Emerson Fittipaldi was the first of the Brazilian Holy Trinity to grace the grid. Stealing Chico Landi’s thunder, Fittipaldi propelled the country onto the international stage with his talent, charisma, and two world championships to boot. 

Not long after Fittipaldi, a mysterious man from Rio de Janeiro by the name of Nelson Piquet came onto the scene. Proving the longstanding regional rivalry in Brazil, Piquet could never capture the hearts of the fans in São Paulo, but he blocked out the noise and went on to claim three world championship titles. Piquet wouldn’t be the only Brazilian on the grid for much longer. Ayrton Senna would be the next Paulista to get behind the wheel and compete against the Carioca, leaving his eternal mark in just 11 seasons, earning three world championships of his own. 

Senna’s legacy is deeply ingrained in both the history of Formula 1 and the soul of Brazil, serving as a beacon of hope, pride, and opportunity. He set the hearts of young motorsports fans ablaze, igniting a new, bright passion amongst the people of Brazil. 

In the current era of motorsport, the footprint of Brazil’s legacy can be seen across nearly every discipline. Pietro Fittipaldi and Bruno Senna continue their families’ legacies, while a wave of new talent continues to pave the way. Former Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto recently became Brazil’s 33rd Formula 1 driver, ending an eight-year drought of Brazilian drivers on the grid. His promotion to Formula 1 also places Brazil at the top of the list for the most Formula 1 drivers by nationality. 

Behind the scenes, Felipe Drugovich, Pietro Fittipaldi, and Nelson Piquet Jr. have stayed close to the grid, taking on reserve and test positions, while also achieving success in various racing series. To cultivate the next generation of talent at home, Brazil offers a large range of developmental programs and competitions. Karting championships, a longstanding proving ground since the Senna era, remain widespread across South America. 

Domestically, five Brazilian motorsport series provide a chance for emerging and returning talent to engage with the racing scene. Sponsored by Banco de Brasília, most Brazilian championships feature stock cars from major manufacturers, racing in Pro Series, Stock Light, E-Stock, and Turismo Nacional. Brazil also has its own iteration of Formula 4, providing an option after or instead of karting.

As Formula 1 continues to evolve, Brazil remains a vital part of its past and a driving force in its future. With continued investment in development programs, a culture that breeds resilience and passion, and a nation still infatuated with speed, it’s only a matter of time before another Brazilian driver takes the top step of the podium and carries the legacy forward.