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Senna’s First F1 Win, Estoril 1985, Revisited 41 Years On

The rain-soaked, lights-to-flag drive showed rare wet‑weather control that signaled a future champion.

Overview

  • At Estoril in April 1985, Ayrton Senna converted his first pole in the Lotus 97T into a lights-to-flag victory in torrential rain.
  • The race ended under the two-hour limit after 67 of 70 laps as conditions worsened.
  • He finished 62.978 seconds clear of Ferrari’s Michele Alboreto, the only other driver on the lead lap.
  • Only 10 of 26 starters reached the chequered flag, with notable retirements including Keke Rosberg, Niki Lauda, and Martin Brundle.
  • Anniversary coverage frames the drive as his breakout, preceding 40 more Grand Prix wins and three world titles.