Ayrton Senna – Lotus JPS racing suit worn at the Imola Grand Prix (1985)

This extraordinary Lotus John Player Special Stand 21 racing suit, worn by Ayrton Senna during the 1985 Imola Grand Prix, is a historic and unique piece in the world of motor racing memorabilia. The 1985 season marked a pivotal moment in Senna’s career, with his first Formula 1 victory coming on 21 April 1985 at Estoril, Portugal, in extreme weather conditions that led to as many as 16 drivers retiring from the race.

This racing suit is not merely a collector’s item, but a genuine historical artefact, bearing witness to Ayrton Senna’s rise as one of Formula 1’s most talented and iconic drivers. The black and gold colours of the Lotus John Player Special have become a timeless symbol, associated with Senna’s technical skill and unparalleled determination.

In 1985, Senna secured his first F1 victory at Estoril, in torrential rain, demonstrating a mastery of driving that would make him a legend. This racing suit represents a tangible link to that glorious season and to the driver who would change the history of Formula 1 forever.

The suit comes with a full set of authentic documentation, including certification from the Automobile Museum, an official letter of thanks and an appraisal from Bonhams auction house. Items of this calibre are extremely rare: in the 1980s, drivers rarely used the same suit for an entire season, and it is estimated that only two or three examples of this specific model exist in the world.

This racing suit is a true motorsport icon, an item that transcends its material value to tell a story of passion, talent and dedication. It offers collectors and enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to own a tangible piece of the history of Ayrton Senna, one of the greatest drivers of all time.

A relic that is not merely a piece of fabric, but an eternal symbol of an unforgettable legend.