Most Wins: Lewis Hamilton (106) • Most Titles: M. Schumacher & L. Hamilton (7) • 77 Seasons Since 1950 • 1,159 Races in Database • 818 Drivers Tracked • Most Wins: Lewis Hamilton (106) • Most Titles: M. Schumacher & L. Hamilton (7) • 77 Seasons Since 1950 • 1,159 Races in Database • 818 Drivers Tracked •
PITLANESTATS

Autódromo Internacional do Algarve

Portimão, Portugal · 2 races held

Race History

YearGrand PrixWinnerTeam
2021 Portuguese Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton Mercedes
2020 Portuguese Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton Mercedes

About the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve

Opened in 2008 in the hills above Portimão on Portugal's sun-drenched Algarve coast, the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve — universally known simply as Portimão — is a thoroughly modern circuit famous for its dramatic, rollercoaster-like elevation changes. For years it was a popular venue for testing, motorcycle racing and support categories before circumstance finally brought Formula 1 to its gates.

The track made its World Championship debut in 2020, drafted onto the calendar as Formula 1 scrambled to fill a schedule disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It returned for a second Portuguese Grand Prix in 2021. Both races were won by Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes, and the circuit quickly won praise from drivers for its flowing, old-school character and blind, plunging crests.

Memorable Moments

  • 2020: Lewis Hamilton won the inaugural Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimão to claim his 92nd career victory, moving him past Michael Schumacher as the most successful driver in F1 history by race wins.
  • 2020: A treacherous, low-grip surface and slippery early conditions shuffled the order on the opening laps, with Carlos Sainz briefly leading in his McLaren before the Mercedes pace told.
  • 2021: Hamilton won again, recovering from third on the grid by passing both Valtteri Bottas and early leader Max Verstappen, while Bottas took the fastest lap and pole.

Track Character

Portimão is defined by its terrain. The circuit climbs, dips and rolls across the hillside with several blind crests where cars go light over the brow before plunging into the corner beyond, demanding total commitment and precise memory of the track. The long main straight feeds into a heavy braking zone that offers the best overtaking chance, while the cambered, banked final corner launches cars onto the pit straight. Combined with a frequently dusty, low-grip asphalt, it is a layout that punishes the slightest error and rewards drivers willing to trust the car over the unsighted brows.