Ayrton Senna | 1985 Stunning Black Estoril Gold | Collector's Edition Lotus 97T Poster

Story behind

Stunning Black

In the atrociously wet conditions of the 1985 Portuguese Grand Prix at Estoril, Ayrton Senna showcased his exceptional skill and mastery over his black and gold Lotus 97T, securing his first ever Formula 1 victory. Within just 15 laps, Senna had distanced himself from all his pursuers, demonstrating what would become his trademark superiority in wet conditions. He maintained control and speed by always staying in the highest gear possible to avoid wheelspin. By the end of the race, Senna had lapped the entire field at least once, except for the second-placed driver. This remarkable performance not only marked the beginning of his legendary status in Formula 1 history but also highlighted his innate talent and extraordinary driving ability, laying the foundations for his reputation as one of the greatest drivers of all time.