Historic Ayrton Senna Anniversary: Lotus 97T Returns to Estoril After 40 Years

9 Apr

The 21st of April marks a pivotal moment in Lotus and Formula 1 lore—the 40th anniversary of Ayrton Senna’s maiden Grand Prix victory. To commemorate this legendary occasion, Senna drove the Lotus 97T Formula 1 car to his historic 1985 Portuguese Grand Prix win. It will return to the Estoril circuit for the first time since that triumph. Senna’s nephew, Bruno Senna, will drive the car, paying tribute to one of Formula 1’s most defining performances.

This event merges two significant celebrations: the 75th anniversary of Formula 1 and the influential part Lotus played in shaping the sport’s legacy. It pays homage to Ayrton Senna and the engineers, designers, and drivers who propelled Lotus to the pinnacle of racing success.

At Estoril in 1985, Ayrton Senna delivered a masterclass in wet-weather driving by almost lapping the entire field, securing the first of his 41 Formula 1 victories. He considered this performance superior to his 1993 Donington triumph, “No way! I had traction control there. It was a good win, but compared with Estoril ‘85, it was nothing.”

The pioneering Lotus 97T was the first car to feature vertical aerodynamic elements behind the front wheels for airflow management. These innovations evolved into the advanced bargeboards that still shape modern F1 aerodynamics.

This tribute event reinforces the bond between Lotus and Senna’s meteoric rise in Formula 1, celebrating the turbocharged golden era and the innovative spirit shared by the driver and the team.

Clive Chapman, Managing Director of Classic Team Lotus, said: “For Team Lotus, Ayrton’s arrival was a defining moment. His talent, technical understanding, and relentless drive propelled the team forward. This anniversary allows us to relive that magic and honour his legacy. Bruno Senna’s commemorative drive at Estoril will be emotional and historic, closing the circle on the past and cementing Senna’s enduring impact on motorsport.”

Bruno Senna commented, “It will be an incredible feeling to drive this iconic car, which marked the start of my uncle’s many victories and achievements. This celebration will unite fans worldwide, demonstrating how Ayrton Senna remains a formidable name in motorsport, continuing to inspire future generations through educational initiatives, sustainable innovation, and the pursuit of dreams.”

Before returning to Estoril, the Lotus 97T will appear at the 82nd Goodwood Members’ Meeting on 12 and 13 April, providing a fitting farewell before its triumphant homecoming lap in Portugal.

The Duke of Richmond CBE DL said: “Goodwood has always celebrated motorsport’s greatest icons, and it is an honour to host the Lotus 97T before its return to Estoril. Seeing this legendary car on track once more is a fitting tribute to Ayrton Senna’s legacy and a treat for fans, who can also look forward to seeing it in action again at the Festival of Speed in July.”

Lotus will share stories, interviews, and reactions across social media, and multiple media outlets, including Sky Sports F1, will film and broadcast the historic lap.

Lotus 97T Details