LOTUS
TYPE 21
The one that delivered Team Lotus its first F1 Grand Prix win
DEALING WITH THE 1.5L ENGINE REGULATIONS
LOTUS TYPE 21 AND THE 1.5L ERA OF FORMULA 1
With a prototype car built from scratch in just six weeks, the all-new Lotus Type 21 was to be Colin Chapman’s Formula 1 race car for the 1961 season. It was Lotus’s first F1 car designed specifically for the new 1.5-litre engine regulations introduced that year.
The main British engine supplier to Formula 1, Coventry Climax, wasn’t prepared for this extremely impactful change. Which meant the Lotus Type 21 Formula 1 car had to make the best of the situation with the outdated four-cylinder FPF engine instead.
This reduced power output in F1 meant aerodynamics began to play a pivotal part in finding success on the circuits. Under these circumstances, that’s where the biggest advantage was to be found for this classic Lotus race car. Circumstances that fitted Colin Chapman perfectly.
He introduced a new yet stunningly simple innovative solution. The first of many in Team Lotus Formula 1 history.
LOW SEATING POSITION
The Lotus Type 21 introduced a noticeably lower body and a semi-reclined driver layout. A Lotus first, which had the driver leaning right back to reduce the overall running height for aerodynamic benefits and lower the centre of gravity.
THE ENGINEERING
ENGINEERING INNOVATIONS OF THE LOTUS TYPE 21
Externally the Lotus Type 21 resembled the Lotus Type 20 Formula Junior car, but under the skin were several important differences to make it a capable Formula 1 machine. We’ve selected a few highlights.
Lotus Sequential Gearbox replaced
An exclusively made ZF 5-speed gearbox replaced the less reliable Lotus gearbox that featured on some of the earlier models.
Front Suspension
Revised from the earlier Lotus Type 18. It used coil-spring/damper units in compression mounted on top of a short upper wishbone. The top wishbone was made from stainless steel and pivoted on a spindle attached to a vertical load-bearing cross-member within the chassis.
Rear Suspension
At the rear, lower wishbones and new upper links provided lateral location. The latter attached to an extension of the aluminium hub carrier.
Colin employed a Metalastik rubber doughnut as an inboard universal joint at the rear for better suspension movement. Which also had the effect of cushioning the drive-train and reduce the alteration of traction between tyre and road during gear changes.
Lotus Climax Type 21: mid-rear engine
The Lotus Type 21 used mid-rear engine placement, paired with the Coventry Climax engine. This provided better balance and handling compared to front-engined Formula 1 cars of earlier years.
Narrow cockpit
The cockpit was extremely tight (oil and water passed through the frame tubes), following in the footsteps of the Type 20. In order to reduce frontal area, the driver had to lean back.
To reduce drag and improve aerodynamics, the driver was put in a more prone lying down position. A Lotus first that would shape F1 design ever since.
Classic Chapman
The Lotus Climax Type 21 was born as a product of necessity but became a symbol of Chapman’s ingenuity. Teams now had to rely on much more than engine power alone, which wasn’t just right up Colin Chapman’s alley — he defined that alley.
THE RACING YEARS
LOTUS TYPE 21 IN FORMULA 1: 1961-1962
The 21 was active in Formula 1 during the 1961 and 1962 seasons. The Lotus Type 21 F1 history began with its first race in the 1961 Monaco Grand Prix (just like the Lotus Type 12). While it was mainly used in Formula 1 Grand Prix races, it also appeared in non-championship F1 events, which were still common at the time. But the Lotus Type 21 Monaco Grand Prix entry highlighted the team’s growing ambition.
The car continued to race throughout 1961, where it faced strong opposition from Ferrari — in particular the Ferrari 156 ‘Sharknose’. By 1962, the Lotus Type 21 was gradually replaced by more advanced models like the Lotus 24 and the revolutionairy Lotus 25.
THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
LOTUS TYPE 21 ACHIEVEMENTS AND FIRST F1 VICTORY
The Lotus Type 21 Watkins Glen victory in the 1961 United States Grand Prix was historic. Innes Ireland gave Team Lotus its first-ever Formula 1 Grand Prix win. This landmark victory proved Lotus could compete at the top level and laid the foundation for its future success.
That same season, the team finished second in the Constructors’ Championship, behind the more powerful Ferrari. It showed that, despite fewer resources, Colin Chapman Lotus cars could challenge the best.
Despite its early promise, the Type 21 had a mixed record overall. Mechanical issues and rapid developments in rival designs meant it was soon outpaced. Nevertheless, the Lotus Type 21 remains one of the classic Lotus race cars of the early 60s.
THE DRIVERS
LOTUS TYPE 21 DRIVERS – INNES IRELAND • JIM CLARK • TREVOR TAYLOR
Innes Ireland was the standout driver of the Lotus Type 21, claiming its only Grand Prix win at Watkins Glen in 1961.
Jim Clark also drove the 21 at the car’s debut in Monaco. He went fastest in practice but crashed heavily and the car had to be repaired using parts from a third component-form car. Clark was forced to use the cobbled-up 21 for much of the season.
Trevor Taylor joined in 1962 and raced the Lotus Type 21 during its final outings. Though less celebrated, his role helped carry Team Lotus through a key transition as the team moved on to its next generation of cars. Which would soon lead to the celebrated Lotus 25.
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