Peter Warr 1985 Portuguese GP Worn Lotus Team Jacket

Peter Warr was the rather outspoken right-hand man to Colin Chapman, the pioneering man behind Lotus.

When Chapman suddenly and sadly died in 1982, Warr took over as manager of Lotus F1 team.  

In the build-up to 1984, Warr was very keen to sign a young and promising Brazilian by the name of 'Ayrton Senna'. However, the British sponsor of the black & gold car wanted to keep the British Nigel Mansell as the lead driver of the team.

This specific sponsor had a lot of influence, and Warr had to listen to their request. Senna signed for back markers, Toleman. 

Throughout 1984, Senna did an incredible job with what he had, and so for 1985 season Peter Warr jumped through hoops & risked relationships in order to sign Ayrton Senna.

With the star now signed for the team, Peter Warr and his team designed a strong car for the 1985 season. At the first round, Elio de Angelis finished third, whilst Senna had to retire due to an electrical problem.  

Round 2 was the Portuguese GP, held at the Estoril circuit. The weekend started very strong, with Ayrton taking pole in qualifying.

As the lights went out to mark the start of the race, Senna led the field away and it was obvious how special he was. Ayrton Senna led every single lap, setting the fastest lap on the way, and took the win by over a minute.  

This was an incredibly special moment, it was Lotus' first win since Chapman's passing, Warr's first win as manager, Senna's first win in F1 - and it wasn't just a race win, but a Grand Slam.  

This Grand Prix & result is where the iconic photo of Peter Warr celebrating with Senna comes from. This is the very jacket that Peter Warr was wearing in that photo.  

Having been with Lotus for nearly his entire career, the elation on his face is obvious. All his years working with Chapman, and he's finally able to emulate Chapman's success for Lotus with his new star driver, star driver that he's gambled on.  

* Peter Warr 1985 Team Lotus Jacket 

* From his celebration with Ayrton Senna after their first win 

* Lotus Team Manager