Ayrton Senna’s iconic Lotus 97T is heading back to Estoril Circuit, 40 years after the Brazilian legend secured his first-ever Formula 1 victory at the 1985 Portuguese Grand Prix. The return marks a powerful tribute to one of F1’s most memorable moments, and one of Senna’s most dominant performances.
In torrential rain, the then 25-year-old Senna outclassed the field, lapping every driver except Ferrari’s Michele Alboreto, who still trailed by more than a minute when the race was stopped at the two-hour mark. Even by today’s standards, that level of dominance is jaw-dropping.
When later asked whether his stunning 1993 Donington Park victory—where he charged from fifth to first in a single lap—was his greatest, Senna humbly disagreed. “No way,” he said. “I had traction control there. Compared to Estoril ’85, it was nothing.”
Now, the Lotus 97T will once again take to Estoril’s tarmac in a special demonstration run, this time driven by Bruno Senna, Ayrton’s nephew and former F1 driver. The car’s 1.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine is set to deliver not only visual nostalgia but a raw, unforgettable sound.
“This drive will be emotional,” Bruno shared. “It honors my uncle’s legacy, his inspiration to future generations, and his impact on motorsport and society.”
As fans from around the globe gather for this tribute, many hope for rain—not for chaos, but for the authentic recreation of one of Formula 1’s most iconic drives. Senna’s legacy, four decades on, remains as powerful as ever.