This April 21, 2025, marks four decades since one of the most iconic moments in Formula 1 history: Ayrton Senna’s first Grand Prix victory. Now, exactly 40 years later, the legendary Lotus 97T—the very car Senna drove to that masterful wet-weather win at Estoril in 1985—will roar back onto the Portuguese circuit. At the wheel this time will be his nephew, Bruno Senna, paying a deeply personal tribute to the moment that launched a legend.
The event isn’t just a celebration of Senna’s brilliance; it’s a powerful convergence of milestones. As Formula 1 marks its 75th anniversary, this tribute also shines a spotlight on the pioneering spirit of Lotus, a team whose bold innovation helped shape the very DNA of the sport.
Ayrton Senna’s Estoril drive remains etched in F1 folklore—a rain-soaked display of precision, passion, and pure genius that saw him lap all but one of his rivals. It was the first of 41 career wins, but to Senna, it remained his finest. As he once said: “No way! I had traction control [at Donington]. It was a good win but compared with Estoril ‘85 it was nothing.”
The Lotus 97T itself was no ordinary car. Among the first to introduce vertical aerodynamic elements behind the front wheels—a precursor to the modern bargeboard—it was a technical marvel of its time. Its groundbreaking design not only contributed to Senna’s success but helped redefine the future of F1 engineering.
Clive Chapman, Managing Director of Classic Team Lotus and son of Lotus founder Colin Chapman, reflected on the moment:
“For Team Lotus, Ayrton’s arrival was a defining chapter. His rare mix of talent, technical feedback, and relentless drive pushed us forward. Bruno’s tribute drive brings everything full circle—it’s emotional, historic, and a beautiful way to honour Ayrton’s legacy.”
Before heading to Estoril, the Lotus 97T will make an appearance at the 82nd Goodwood Members’ Meeting on April 12–13, offering fans an early chance to see the iconic car in action once more. As a final encore, it will also appear at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.
The Duke of Richmond CBE DL, ahead of the Members’ Meeting, shared his thoughts:
“Goodwood has always championed motorsport’s greatest moments, and welcoming the Lotus 97T is a privilege. Witnessing it back on track will be a goosebumps moment—not just for F1 fans, but for anyone who remembers Senna’s magic.”
Bruno Senna, preparing to step into the cockpit of his uncle’s car, said:
“Driving this car at Estoril is going to be emotional. It marks the beginning of Ayrton’s journey to greatness. This celebration isn’t just about the past—it’s about the enduring power of Ayrton’s legacy, which continues to inspire people across generations, whether in sport, education, innovation, or life.”
The commemorative lap will be filmed and broadcast globally, with highlights shared across Sky Sports F1 and Lotus’ social media channels. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, exclusive interviews, and tributes from fans and legends alike.
This April 21, 2025, marks four decades since one of the most iconic moments in Formula 1 history: Ayrton Senna’s first Grand Prix victory. Now, exactly 40 years later, the legendary Lotus 97T—the very car Senna drove to that masterful wet-weather win at Estoril in 1985—will roar back onto the Portuguese circuit. At the wheel this time will be his nephew, Bruno Senna, paying a deeply personal tribute to the moment that launched a legend.
