Celebrating Ayrton Senna’s Legacy at Goodwood
The 40th anniversary of Ayrton Senna’s first Formula 1 victory is set to be commemorated at this year’s Goodwood Members’ Meeting. Bruno Senna, the nephew of the legendary Brazilian driver, will drive the iconic Lotus 97T that his uncle won with at the 1985 Portuguese Grand Prix. This special tribute will take place over the two days of the Goodwood event, scheduled for April 12-13, with an additional demonstration at Estoril on the exact anniversary of the race.
Ayrton Senna’s Meteoric Rise
Ayrton Senna burst onto the Formula 1 scene in 1984, having built a formidable reputation in junior single-seater categories. His potential was evident from the start, nearly securing victory in the rain-shortened Monaco Grand Prix that year while driving for Toleman. The following season, Senna made a pivotal switch to Lotus, where he achieved his maiden F1 win at the 1985 Portuguese Grand Prix in April. This triumph came in only the second race of the season and was one of two wins Senna secured that year.
An Unforgettable Victory
Senna’s victory at the 1985 Portuguese Grand Prix was a masterclass in wet-track driving. He lapped the entire field, with the exception of Michele Alboreto in a Ferrari, who finished over a minute behind. The Lotus 97T, the car in which Senna achieved this remarkable feat, is now in the capable hands of Classic Team Lotus, run by Clive Chapman, the son of Lotus founder Colin Chapman. The car has been meticulously maintained to ensure it is in pristine running condition, ready to relive its glory days.
A Family Legacy Revisited
Clive Chapman, reflecting on the significance of Senna’s first win, notes, "Ayrton’s first win was a great moment for him, Team Lotus, and F1. In his own words, Ayrton considered Estoril to be his greatest race." Chapman’s mother, Hazel, along with Peter Warr and Fred Bushell, had kept Team Lotus afloat after Colin’s death, making the Estoril victory even more poignant. "It has been our privilege to maintain the car in running condition. Bruno driving at Estoril 40 years to the day is bound to be emotional, and we will be delighted to share our passion with the fans at Goodwood," Chapman added.
A Tribute at Goodwood
The Duke of Richmond, organizer of the Goodwood Members’ Meeting, expressed his enthusiasm for the tribute. "I am delighted that we will celebrate Ayrton Senna’s extraordinary life and career at this year’s Members’ Meeting. We are hugely grateful to Clive Chapman and Classic Team Lotus for bringing the Lotus 97T to Goodwood ahead of their project to take the car to Estoril the following weekend." The Duke also recalled the emotional lap Bruno Senna took in the championship-winning McLaren MP4/6 at Goodwood in 2021, anticipating another unforgettable tribute to one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history.
Looking Forward to the Anniversary
The upcoming events at Goodwood and Estoril promise to be a heartfelt celebration of Ayrton Senna’s legacy. Bruno Senna’s demonstrations in the Lotus 97T will not only honor his uncle’s achievements but also provide a glimpse into the brilliance that made Ayrton Senna a legend. As the motorsport world gathers to pay tribute, fans and enthusiasts alike can look forward to a weekend of nostalgia, passion, and the timeless spirit of Formula 1.
