Goodwood will pay tribute to Ayrton Senna’s first Formula 1 victory at the upcoming 82nd Members’ Meeting, set to take place on 12-13 April 2025. The event will feature a special on-track demonstration of the Lotus 97T – driven by Senna’s nephew, Bruno Senna – in collaboration with Classic Team Lotus.
The tribute marks four decades since Ayrton Senna’s breakthrough win at the 1985 Portuguese Grand Prix, where he delivered a dominant performance in wet conditions to claim victory from pole position. That race showcased Senna’s extraordinary skill and racecraft, setting the foundation for his legendary career and three World Championships.
The Lotus 97T, presented in its period-correct John Player Special livery, has previously appeared at Goodwood’s Festival of Speed and was last seen at the circuit in 2021 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Senna’s final title. This year, Bruno Senna will take the wheel once again.
Goodwood has honoured Ayrton Senna’s legacy before, notably at the 78th Members’ Meeting in 2021, when Bruno Senna drove the 1991 McLaren MP4/6, the car in which Ayrton secured his third and final championship. That moment remains one of the event’s most memorable tributes, and the return of Senna’s nephew to drive the Lotus 97T is expected to be just as emotive.
Following the Goodwood demonstration, Classic Team Lotus will take the 97T to Estoril, where Bruno Senna will once again drive the car on the anniversary of Ayrton’s historic 1985 win. Speaking ahead of the event, Clive Chapman of Classic Team Lotus reflected on the significance of the moment: ‘Ayrton’s first win was a great moment for him, Team Lotus and F1. He considered Estoril his greatest race, and we are privileged to keep this car in running condition for such an important occasion.’
The Duke of Richmond added: ‘I am delighted that we will celebrate Ayrton Senna’s extraordinary life and career at this year’s Members’ Meeting. Having witnessed Bruno’s emotional lap in the McLaren MP4/6 in 2021, I look forward to another unforgettable tribute to one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history.’
The Lotus 97T demonstration will be part of a packed programme at the Members’ Meeting, which also features a GT3 Shoot-Out and a roster of races showcasing sustainable fuel technology, including the inaugural Win Percy Trophy.
