Lotus Type 97T | Ayrton Senna’s Breakthrough Lotus F1 Car

LOTUS
TYPE 97T

The one that catapulted Ayrton Senna’s career

FINDING SUCCESS AGAIN WITHOUT COLIN CHAPMAN

THE TRINITY OF TEAM LOTUS, TYPE 97T AND AYRTON SENNA

A new season, a new driver, a new car.

Hopes were high as Team Lotus readied itself for the 1985 season. The driver was Nigel Mansell’s replacement Ayrton Senna. The Brazilian had a credible F1 season under his belt with Toleman and started to attract comparisons with the likes of Clark and Stewart.

The new car would be the 97T. A refined version of the Lotus Type 95T, wrapped in the legendary John Player Special black and gold livery. As the true Lotus Type 95T successor, it improved power, aerodynamics and durability.

The car brought Senna his first and most legendary GP win and proved Lotus in F1 could be a winning team again in the post-Chapman era.  

AYRTON SENNA’S BREAKTHROUGH CAR

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The Lotus Type 97T gave Ayrton Senna his first two Formula 1 wins, marking the start of one of the sport’s greatest careers. His wet-weather masterclass at Estoril in 1985 remains one of the most unforgettable and skillful drives in F1 history.

THE ENGINEERING

LOTUS TYPE 97T DESIGN AND TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS

The car had much in common with the Lotus Type 95T, but profited from lessons learned with the ill-fated Type 96T project. It led to a number of new innovations and improvements.

Turbocharged Lotus Renault Power
At its heart, the Lotus Type 97T was powered by a turbocharged Renault EF15 V6 engine. An engine that delivered between 780 and 850 bhp depending on setup. Paired with Garrett AiResearch turbos, it offered more horsepower and improved fuel efficiency than the previous KKK units.

Formula 1 Innovation in 1985
The 97T featured mini-winglets on the sidepods and unique vertical vanes between the front wheels and the tub sides. Thought by contemporary commentators to clean up turbulence in this area, thereby reducing drag around the front wheels. Lotus refused to confirm or deny this, but it didn’t take long before their design was copied by rival teams.

Stronger all around
The 97T leveled up in multiple ways in comparison to the 95T. For the first time, carbon-fibre brakes were fitted as standard. And there was the stronger Lotus Indy-style gearbox, in use for the first time. Finally, a stronger construction in the form of the deformable nose box was introduced to meet the FIA’s new crash standards.

“This is a stronger, more refined and developed version of an already good car. I am even more confident than last year.”  

~ Peter Warr

THE RACING YEARS

AYRTON SENNA AND TEAM LOTUS IN THE 1985 F1 SEASON

In retrospect, it is probably no surprise to learn that the 24 year old Senna quickly drew the spotlights on him in the early rounds of the season. It was clear to everyone that he was a driver with massive potential.

For Ayrton Senna 1985 would be the year he convincingly arrived at the top level of Formula 1.

Senna challenging the best in the Type 97T
Senna led the field at Detroit, the Nürburgring, Brands Hatch, Adelaide, Imola and Silverstone. Although lady luck left him at the latter two circuits, when he ran out of fuel in sight of the flag.

His aggressive yet delicate driving style quickly made him a fan favourite around the world. Even though his fellow drivers didn’t always share that sentiment.

Lotus racing history in 1985: 8 poles and the GP at Estoril
Senna took pole position 7 times in the first season with his unmatched driving style. His more seasoned teammate Elio De Angelis managed only one.

The first Grand Prix win for Ayrton Senna is arguably his most legendary one ever. In appallingly wet conditions he drove to victory at the Portuguese Grand Prix. Surpassing the entire field as mere bystanders with an incredible demonstration of skill and domination.

De Angelis’ final act for Lotus

Elio De Angelis proved as consistent as ever, but was clearly overshadowed by the undeniable presence of prodigy Senna. As it turned out, the Italian driver was only left with one more GP win — inherited after the McLaren of Alain Prost was disqualified after the San Marion race. Many felt he deserved better, after having served Team Lotus so well and for so long.

For the Type 97T however, 1985 proved to be quite a triumphant year. It launched the career of Ayrton Senna and showed the world that Team Lotus was back.

THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

LOTUS 97T VICTORIES AND AYRTON SENNA’S FIRST WINS

With just 4 chassis to play with for the entire season, Team Lotus secured 8 pole positions and 3 Grand Prix wins (Portugal GP, Belgian GP, San Marino GP). 

That might not have put much of a dent in the total tally of the dominant McLaren Team. But these Lotus Gp victories sent the message across the paddock that Team Lotus was a force to be reckoned with, once again. Even without being able to count on the unparalleled genius of the late Colin Chapman.

The team from Norfolk was back in the running with a future World Champion in their ranks. And the Lotus Type 97T was the vessel that propelled them.

THE DRIVERS

SENNA AND DE ANGELIS X LOTUS 97T

Senna’s driving in the Lotus 97T marked his rise as the most exciting talent of his generation. And perhaps the most exciting driver of all times. His fearless style and ability to push the Lotus Renault turbo to its limits made him a hero for fans worldwide. 

His first GP win in Estoril, under conditions that wouldn't have been allowed today, immortalised his legacy long before he became an F1 World Champion.

Ayrton Senna’s teammate Elio de Angelis contributed valuable points and a win at Imola in the 1985 Formula 1 Season. Senna’s brilliance resulted in De Angelis having to play second violin, butﬁ his role in securing Lotus’ competitive return was vital.