At the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix, the paddock is set to become a playground for football superstars, music royalty, fashion icons and Brazil’s most influential social-media personalities. With Neymar, Maisa Silva and Luísa Sonza among the headline names, Interlagos is preparing for a weekend where celebrity spotting could become almost as exciting as the racing.
There is something irresistible about the São Paulo Grand Prix. Perhaps it is the electric atmosphere of Interlagos, perhaps the passion of the Brazilian fans, or simply the combination of fast cars, glamorous hospitality and a celebrity crowd that knows how to make an entrance.
The 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix certainly delivered on that front, welcoming an impressive collection of famous faces, including actress Bruna Marquezine, surfing champion Gabriel Medina, football star Sergio Agüero, rock legend Billy Idol and members of Linkin Park. Now, the 2026 edition promises another spectacular gathering, with the following Brazilian entertainment royalty and international sporting personalities preparing to bring their own brand of sparkle to the paddock.
Football’s A-list: Neymar and sporting royalty merge with F1 at Sao Paulo GP
The undisputed headline attraction is Neymar Jr. With 241.2 million Instagram followers and another 47.6 million on TikTok, the Brazilian football superstar is a global celebrity in his own right. From his spectacular rise at Santos to Champions League glory with Barcelona and his superstar years at Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar has spent much of his career in the international spotlight. Now back at boyhood club Santos, he remains one of the most recognisable faces in world sport.
Joining him is Dutch football sensation Memphis Depay, whose career has included Manchester United, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid before his move to Corinthians. The Netherlands’ all-time leading goalscorer also has a passion for music, fashion and creative projects, making him a personality who extends well beyond the football pitch.
Brazilian legend Cafu brings a particularly special touch of sporting history. A two-time World Cup winner who captained Brazil to glory in 2002, he remains one of the country’s most beloved football icons. Fellow Brazilian international Thiago Silva, Champions League winner with Chelsea and one of the finest defenders of his generation, adds further prestige. And who could forget Lucas Moura, whose unforgettable hat-trick against Ajax in 2019 sent Tottenham into the Champions League final?
Pop queens, rock attitude and Brazilian rhythms
The musical mood is equally exciting. Leading the Brazilian pop contingent is Luísa Sonza, whose journey from YouTube cover videos to becoming one of Brazil’s biggest contemporary pop stars is an impressive success story. With almost 47 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, she is a musical and digital powerhouse. Her albums Doce 22 and Escândalo Íntimo showcase her blend of pop, Brazilian funk and bold artistic personality.
Luan Santana brings a different musical flavour. One of Brazil’s most successful sertanejo artists, he became a household name with Meteoro and has since built an enormous career through hits such as Te Esperando and Escreve Aí. Meanwhile, L7NNON represents the urban music scene, with hits including Freio da Blazer and Ai, Preto making him one of the country’s most prominent contemporary rappers.
Women bringing the glamour – and the followers
No modern celebrity paddock would be complete without its queens of social media, fashion and entertainment. And Brazil has plenty.
At the top of the digital guest list is Maisa Silva, with an extraordinary 69.8 million followers across Instagram and TikTok. Having grown up in front of Brazilian television audiences, she has successfully transformed herself from child star into actress, presenter, entrepreneur and digital powerhouse. From Carrossel to the world of fashion and business, her evolution is one of Brazilian entertainment’s most interesting success stories.
Vanessa Lopes is another social-media sensation, with more than 46 million followers across her two main platforms. Famous for her dance and lifestyle videos, she became even more widely recognised through Big Brother Brasil 24.
Then there is Jade Picon, whose combination of modelling, fashion, acting and influencer appeal has made her a familiar face across Brazil. With more than 31 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, she has successfully moved from social-media fame into mainstream television, including the telenovela Travessia.
For a more sophisticated fashion perspective, Silvia Braz brings the world of luxury style to Interlagos. A former lawyer turned fashion entrepreneur and content creator, she has collaborated with major international luxury brands and earned a place in the prestigious BoF 500.
Netflix stars, models and digital entertainers
Having presented pole-sitter Lando Norris with the Pirelli Pole Position Award in 2025, André Lamoglia, returns to Interlagos in 2026. Best known internationally for his role as Iván in Netflix’s global hit Elite, he represents a new generation of Brazilian actors making their mark well beyond their home market.
Giovanna Grigio, known for Chiquititas and Netflix’s Rebelde, brings another familiar face from Brazilian television and streaming. Meanwhile, international fashion model Chico Lachowski, whose career has included work with Dior, Gucci and Versace, adds a distinctly high-fashion dimension to the paddock.
Comedy and digital entertainment are represented by Júlio Cocielo, one of Brazil’s biggest online personalities, with more than 29 million followers across Instagram and TikTok. Brino, another digital favourite, commands an audience exceeding 20 million through his humorous reactions, gaming and entertainment content.
Sporting talent beyond football
The sporting crossover continues with Leticia Bufoni, the six-time X Games gold medallist whose achievements have helped transform women’s skateboarding. Her move into motorsport through Porsche Cup Brasil makes her a particularly fitting guest for a Grand Prix weekend.
Brazilian sprinter Paulo André, an Olympic athlete with a 100-metre personal best of 10.02 seconds, brings another dimension of sporting excellence. The international flavour is rounded out by Argentine television star Marley and media entrepreneur Nicolás Occhiato, two familiar faces in Latin American entertainment.
Former F1 supremo and paddock legend Bernie Ecclestone, who spends part of his time living in Brazil, was among the notable attendees in 2025. Meanwhile, Brazilian rising star Gabriel Bortoleto and his girlfriend Isabella Bernardini have quickly become fan favourites, attracting plenty of attention and affection from the home crowd.
A paddock dressed for the occasion
The 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix is shaping up to be a celebration of everything that makes modern celebrity culture so fascinating: football legends, musical talent, fashion influence, television personalities and digital stars whose audiences stretch into the tens of millions.
READ MORE – Valtteri Bottas vents fury at Cadillac after horrific Mexico crash
Discussion about this post