Lotus, the iconic British racing team, holds a prestigious place in Formula 1 history. Known for their innovation, sleek designs, and exceptional performance, Lotus has produced some of the most memorable cars in the sport. From their inception in the 1950s to their success in the 1970s and beyond, Lotus has left an indelible mark on the world of motorsport.
Here, we rank the best Lotus F1 cars in history, taking into account their performance, impact, and legacy.
1. Lotus 72 (1970-1975):
The Lotus 72 stands as one of the most dominant and revolutionary cars in Formula 1 history. Designed by Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe, this iconic machine won three drivers' championships and two constructors' championships. With its wedge-shaped body, side-mounted radiators, and impressive aerodynamics, the Lotus 72 set new standards for performance and handling.
2. Lotus 79 (1978-1979):
The Lotus 79, often referred to as the "wing car," changed the game in Formula 1. Designed by Colin Chapman and Peter Wright, this groundbreaking car introduced ground-effect aerodynamics, utilizing venturi tunnels to generate immense downforce. The Lotus 79 won the drivers' championship in 1978 and propelled Mario Andretti to his only F1 title.
3. Lotus 98T (1986):
Powered by the legendary Renault V6 turbo engine, the Lotus 98T showcased remarkable speed and agility. Piloted by the great Ayrton Senna, this car delivered an impressive six pole positions and two race victories in the 1986 season. The Lotus 98T exemplified Senna's prodigious talent and cemented his status as one of the sport's all-time greats.
4. Lotus 49 (1967-1970):
Debuting in 1967, the Lotus 49 became an instant classic. Designed by Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe, it featured the iconic Ford-Cosworth DFV engine and introduced the use of a stressed engine as a structural member of the chassis. The Lotus 49 carried legendary drivers like Jim Clark and Graham Hill, securing two drivers' championships and one constructors' championship.
5. Lotus 25 (1962-1964):
The Lotus 25 was a groundbreaking car that revolutionized Formula 1 design. Designed by Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe, it was the first car to utilize a fully stressed monocoque chassis, resulting in a significant weight reduction and improved handling. Driven by the legendary Jim Clark, the Lotus 25 secured two consecutive drivers' championships in 1963 and 1964.
6. Lotus 98 (1994):
Although the Lotus 98 had a short-lived existence due to the team's financial difficulties, it deserves recognition for its engineering innovations. This car, powered by a Mugen-Honda V10 engine, incorporated advanced technologies such as active suspension and traction control. Despite the team's challenges, the Lotus 98 showcased their commitment to pushing the boundaries of F1 technology.
7. Lotus 72D (1972-1975):
The Lotus 72D was an evolution of the original 72, featuring improved aerodynamics and handling. It played a crucial role in securing Lotus' second Constructors' Championship in 1972 and helped Fittipaldi clinch the Drivers' Championship in 1972 and 1974. The Lotus 72D was a competitive and visually striking car that showcased the team's ability to continuously refine their designs.
Honorable Mentions: While the top 7 cars encompass Lotus' most significant achievements, it's important to acknowledge other notable machines like the Lotus 78 (1977) and Lotus 91 (1982-1983).
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