Goodwood to mark 40 years since Senna’s first Grand Prix win

Bruno Senna will drive the Lotus 97T at the 82nd Members’ Meeting

1985. The Portuguese Grand Prix in Estoril. It was a race that would go down in history as a 25 year old Ayrton Senna negotiated wet conditions to turn his first ever Formula 1 pole position into his first Grand Prix win. Senna would go on to win 41 Grands Prix in total on his way to three F1 World Championship titles.

Goodwood will honour this special moment on its 40th anniversary with a special on-track demonstration from Ayrton’s nephew Bruno Senna behind the wheel of the Lotus 97T and supported by Classic Team Lotus. Dressed in its iconic John Player Special livery, the Lotus 97T will return to the Goodwood Motor Circuit having last appeared in 2021 to honour 30 years since Senna’s final championship win. It has also taken on the famous hillclimb at the Festival of Speed on several occasions.

Bruno Senna at the 78th Members' Meeting with the McLaren MP4-6

“Ayrton considered Estoril to be his greatest race”

Clive Chapman from Classic Team Lotus remarked: “Ayrton’s first win was a great moment for him, Team Lotus and F1. So much so that in his own words Ayrton considered Estoril to be his greatest race. Together with Peter Warr and Fred Bushell my mother Hazel had kept Team Lotus going and Estoril was the first win since Colin died. 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.”

The Duke of Richmond: “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. Having witnessed Bruno’s emotional lap of the Goodwood Circuit in the Championship-winning McLaren MP4/6 in 2021, I am looking forward to another unforgettable tribute to honour one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history."

The Lotus 97T will head back to Estoril after its appearance at the Members’ Meeting for a spin around the track on 21 April - its exact anniversary date - with Bruno Senna once again behind the wheel.

When does the 82nd Members’ Meeting take place?

Goodwood will host the 82nd Members’ Meeting on Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 April 2025. As well as the Senna tribute, expect to see all-sustainable fuel racing including a competitive GT3 Shoot-Out.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Goodwood