Following a disappointing electrical failure that prevented him from achieving a podium finish in the opening round of the season in Rio de Janeiro, Ayrton Senna arrived at the Estoril circuit determined to earn his first points of the 1985 Formula 1 campaign.
Senna and his Lotus team had demonstrated promising pace in Brazil, but it was at Estoril that he unleashed the true potential of his Renault-powered 97T. From the outset, he set blistering lap times, securing pole position by a significant margin of 0.413 seconds over Alain Prost and teammate Elio de Angelis, who had outpaced him in Rio.
On raceday, torrential rain transformed the track into a treacherous challenge. However, this presented an opportunity for Senna to showcase his remarkable skills in wet conditions, a talent he had nearly brought to victory in the Monaco Grand Prix the previous year.
Despite never having tested the 97T in the wet, Senna immediately established a commanding lead, leaving Prost trailing behind. The rain intensified, and drivers spun off the track, but Senna remained unfazed, extending his advantage lap by lap. Former world champion James Hunt, commentating for BBC TV, marveled at Senna’s exceptional control in such treacherous conditions.
As the race progressed, Senna’s dominance became increasingly apparent. Prost’s hopes of challenging for the lead ended when he aquaplaned and crashed out of the race. With the opposition faltering, Senna maintained his composure and gradually increased his lead.
Recognizing the extreme conditions, Senna began signaling to race officials, requesting the race be stopped due to the excessive rain and standing water. However, officials were determined to extend the race distance to award full points, despite the escalating danger.
In the end, Senna emerged victorious, crossing the finish line a staggering 1 minute and 2.978 seconds ahead of second-place finisher Michele Alboreto. The victory marked his first in Formula 1 and cemented his status as a rising star in the sport.
Speaking after the race, Senna emphasized the challenging nature of the conditions and expressed his gratitude for the tremendous effort he and his team had put in since he was a young boy. He dedicated the victory to all those who had supported him throughout his journey.
Senna’s triumph at Estoril remains a defining moment in his illustrious career, showcasing his exceptional talent, determination, and ability to excel in even the most adverse conditions. It is a victory that continues to inspire and motivate aspiring drivers and racing enthusiasts around the world.
