Estoril, Portugal – Forty years after Ayrton Senna’s maiden Formula 1 victory at the 1985 Portuguese Grand Prix, the iconic Lotus 97T returned to the very circuit where history was made. In a poignant tribute, Ayrton’s nephew, Bruno Senna, took the wheel of the legendary machine, commemorating a milestone that not only marked the beginning of a celebrated career but also underscored Lotus’s innovative spirit in the sport.
The event last April 21st served as a powerful intersection of anniversaries: the 75th year of Formula 1 and the enduring legacy of Lotus within it. More than just a remembrance of Ayrton Senna’s brilliance, it was a homage to the collective efforts of engineers, designers, and drivers who propelled the British racing outfit to greatness.
Senna’s victory in the torrential rain at Estoril remains etched in Formula 1 lore. In a display of masterful car control, the Brazilian prodigy lapped almost the entire field, securing the first of his eventual 41 Grand Prix wins. Senna himself considered this drive his finest, famously dismissing the widespread acclaim for his 1993 Donington Park victory by stating, “No way! I had traction control there. It was a good win but compared with Estoril ‘85 it was nothing.”
The Lotus 97T, the very chariot of that triumph, was itself a groundbreaking piece of engineering. It pioneered the use of vertical aerodynamic devices positioned behind the front wheels, an early iteration of what would evolve into the sophisticated bargeboards that are now integral to modern F1 aerodynamics.
Clive Chapman, Managing Director of Classic Team Lotus, reflected on the significance of the moment: “For Team Lotus, Ayrton’s arrival was a defining moment. His talent, technical understanding and relentless drive helped push the team forward. This anniversary allows us to relive that magic and honour his legacy. Bruno Senna’s commemorative drive at Estoril promises to be an emotional and historic moment, bringing the past full circle and cementing Senna’s enduring impact on motorsport.”
For Bruno Senna, the experience was deeply personal. “It will be an incredible feeling to drive this iconic car, marking the beginning of a series of victories and achievements by my uncle,” he shared. “This celebration will bring together fans from all over the world and shows how Ayrton Senna remains a powerful name in motorsport, and a positive influence on society in many ways – from educational impact to sustainable innovation, and as a movement that continues to inspire generations to pursue their dream and never give up.”
Prior to its emotional return to Estoril, the Lotus 97T made a special appearance at the 82nd Goodwood Members’ Meeting on April 12th and 13th, offering enthusiasts a glimpse of the legendary machine in motion before its homecoming lap.
The Duke of Richmond CBE DL, ahead of the Goodwood event, commented: “Goodwood has always celebrated motorsport’s greatest icons, and it’s an honour to host the Lotus 97T ahead of its return to Estoril. Seeing the legendary car on track once again will be a fitting tribute to Ayrton Senna’s legacy and a special moment for fans, who can see the car in action again at the Festival of Speed in July.”
Lotus captured the stories, interviews, and reactions surrounding the historic event across their social media platforms, ensuring that the echoes of Senna’s triumph and the roar of the 97T resonated with fans worldwide. Sky Sports F1 and other media outlets also documented the poignant lap, allowing a new generation to witness a powerful tribute to a true icon of motorsport