April 21 marks a milestone in the history of Lotus and Formula 1 — the 40th anniversary of Ayrton Senna’s first Grand Prix victory at the 1985 Portuguese GP. To honor this iconic moment, the very same Lotus 97T that Senna drove to a dominant win in the rain-soaked race at Estoril will return to the circuit for the first time since that unforgettable triumph. Behind the wheel this time will be Bruno Senna, Ayrton’s nephew, who will take the car out for a series of exhibition laps to commemorate one of the most legendary performances in F1 history.
Senna’s victory in Estoril was a masterclass in wet-weather driving. The Brazilian lapped nearly the entire field to claim the first of his 41 career wins. It’s a performance he would later rank among his greatest — even above his famed 1993 Donington Park win. “In ’93, I had traction control. It was a great victory, but compared to Estoril ‘85, it was nothing,” Senna once said.
The Lotus 97T itself was a pioneering machine — the first F1 car to feature vertical aerodynamic elements behind the front wheels to manage airflow. These innovations paved the way for the complex aerodynamic appendages seen in today’s Formula 1 designs.
The Estoril tribute cements the bond between Lotus and Senna’s meteoric rise in F1, celebrating the turbocharged golden era of the sport and the spirit of innovation that defined both the driver and the team.
“Ayrton’s arrival at Lotus was a turning point for the team,” said Clive Chapman, Managing Director of Classic Team Lotus. “His talent, technical insight, and relentless drive pushed the team forward. This anniversary lets us relive that magic and honor his legacy. Bruno’s commemorative run at Estoril promises to be a deeply emotional and historic moment — bringing the past full circle and reinforcing Senna’s lasting impact on motorsport.”
“It’s an incredible feeling to drive this iconic car that marked the beginning of my uncle’s journey to greatness,” added Bruno Senna. “This celebration brings together fans from around the world and shows how Ayrton Senna remains a powerful name in motorsports — and a positive force in society, from educational initiatives to sustainable innovation. His legacy continues to inspire generations to chase their dreams and never give up.”
Lotus will share behind-the-scenes stories, interviews, and fan reactions across its social media channels. The historic lap will also be filmed and broadcast by several major outlets, including Sky Sports F1. The Estoril event will be open to the public and will also feature an exhibition of sculptures from the “Nosso Senna” collection, created by Ayrton’s niece and artist Lalalli Senna.
Before returning to Portugal, the Lotus 97T made an appearance at the 82nd Goodwood Members’ Meeting in England, held April 12–13 — serving as a fitting farewell before its homecoming run in Estoril.
“Goodwood has always celebrated motorsport’s greatest icons, and it’s an honor to host the Lotus 97T ahead of its return to Estoril,” said the Duke of Richmond CBE DL. “Seeing this legendary car back on track will be a meaningful tribute to Ayrton Senna’s legacy and a special moment for fans, who will also get another chance to see it in action at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this July.”
Ayrton Senna drove for Team Lotus from 1985 to 1987 — a thrilling chapter in F1 history marked by fierce competition between Lotus, McLaren, Williams, and Ferrari. During his time with Lotus, Senna claimed six wins, 22 podiums, and 16 pole positions across 48 Grands Prix.
Lotus 97T – Technical Specifications
Year of production: 1985
Chassis built: 4
Engine: Renault EF15 V6 Turbo
Engine capacity: 1,492 cc
Power output: 780–850 hp
Dimensions (L/W/H): 166 / 84.5 / 39.5 in
Wheelbase: 107 in
Weight: 1,188 lb / 539 kg (regulatory minimum)