09.09.2025Ayrton Senna: The first Formula 1-victory

Ayrton Senna made his way to the pinnacle of motorsport with Toleman in 1984, having dominated the junior series in previous years. However, Toleman was not a competitive team, which meant Senna rarely had the opportunity to demonstrate his class. One of those rare opportunities was the 1984 Monaco GP. In heavy rain, Senna drove from the back of the field to second place before the race was red-flagged due to the weather.

Despite a three-year contract, Senna switched to Lotus – one of the top teams in the field – for the 1985 season. After the season opener in Brazil, Ayrton Senna not only secured his first Formula 1 victory but also his first pole position at the Portuguese Grand Prix in Estoril.

With this victory, his team, John Player Special Team Lotus, not only took the lead in the Constructors' Championship, but it also marked the beginning of Ayrton Senna's Formula 1 success story. Until his fatal accident at Imola on May 1st, 1994, the Brazilian had clinched 41 Grand Prix victories, making him the fifth-most victorious driver to date. But even more impressive than his victories is his pole position record. His maiden pole position at Estoril was followed by 64 more pole positions in his 161 Grand Prix races. This means he has started from the best starting position in over 40 percent of his Formula 1 starts – a rate that hardly any other driver can match.

The car with which Senna finished his second Formula 1 season in fourth place overall was the Lotus 97T – powered by a Renault EF15 1.5 V6t. A better finish in the World Championship was primarily hampered by the car's unreliability and seven retirements in 16 races. Lotus has always been known for building highly innovative and fast cars, but these cars have always suffered from serious reliability issues. Graham Hill once said many years ago: "When your rear wheel overtakes you, you know you're in a Lotus."

Nevertheless, the Lotus, sporting the black and gold livery of main sponsor John Player, remains an icon of Formula 1 history. The model with starting number 12 was released by the manufacturer Premium X in scale 1:18. Made from resin, the model is produced to the usual high quality and reflects the original as accurately as possible. The Lotus features a faithful cockpit replica with an opening hood, detailed engine compartment, and driver figure. A decal set is already attached to the model.

Ayrton Senna Lotus 97T #12 Winner Portuguese GP Formula 1 1985 1:18 Premium X, RRP €239.95, item-no.: SENR18001

produtos

Ayrton Senna Lotus 97T #12 ganhador Portugal GP fórmula 1 1985 1:18 Premium X

179,95 €