On April 21, 1985, Ayrton Senna etched his name into the annals of motorsport history by securing his first Formula 1 victory at the Portuguese Grand Prix held at the Estoril circuit. This race, marked by torrential rain and challenging conditions, showcased Senna's exceptional driving skills as he dominated the event from start to finish in his iconic Lotus 97T.
The 1985 season was a pivotal year for Senna, who was in his second year of F1 racing. Having joined the Lotus team, he was equipped with the competitive 97T model, which played a significant role in his early successes. The Estoril race was the second of the season, following the opening event at Jacarepaguá in Brazil.
As the race weekend unfolded, the weather took a turn for the worse, with dark clouds looming over the circuit. Despite the dreary conditions, Senna excelled during the qualifying sessions, securing pole position with impressive lap times that left his competitors trailing. Alain Prost, his future rival, lined up alongside him in second place, while Keke Rosberg and Elio de Angelis completed the top four.
When the race began, the rain intensified, creating a slick and treacherous track. However, Senna, renowned for his skill in wet conditions, managed to maintain his lead and quickly established a significant gap over the rest of the field. His mastery of the Lotus 97T allowed him to navigate the challenging circuit with precision, and he finished the race with over a minute's advantage, a remarkable feat in such perilous conditions.
As the race progressed, many of Senna's competitors faced difficulties, with 16 drivers retiring from the race, including notable names like Nelson Piquet, Niki Lauda, and Alain Prost. The final podium saw Michele Alboreto from Ferrari taking second place, followed by Patrick Tambay from Renault in third.
Senna's victory was not just a personal triumph; it was also a bittersweet moment for Brazil. The same weekend marked the death of Tancredo Neves, the first president of Brazil's redemocratization. Renowned sports commentator Galvão Bueno reflected on this duality of emotions, stating, "The weekend of Senna's first victory was filled with mixed feelings. It coincided with the death of Tancredo Neves, who had been elected president of Brazil and was the first civilian president after the military dictatorship. But on that same weekend, Senna's performance in the rain was spectacular. He had already shown his capability to drive in such conditions during the 1984 Monaco GP, and it was a wonderful moment for all of us."
Following this historic win, Senna would go on to secure another victory later that year at the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa-Francorchamps, further solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest drivers in the history of Formula 1.
Fast forward to April 21, 2025, and the legacy of Ayrton Senna continues to resonate with fans and motorsport enthusiasts alike. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of his first win, the popular program "Galvão e Amigos" on Band will host a special episode featuring legendary commentator Galvão Bueno alongside F1 expert Reginaldo Leme. This edition promises to be a nostalgic journey, revisiting the iconic race at Estoril and celebrating the remarkable career of Senna.
During the program, which airs at 22:30 (Brasilia time) on Band and its digital platforms, Bueno and Leme will share behind-the-scenes stories and insights from that unforgettable day in 1985. Fans can expect to hear anecdotes and analysis that highlight not only Senna's extraordinary talent but also the atmosphere surrounding that historic race.
As the motorsport community prepares to relive this momentous occasion, the excitement surrounding Senna's legacy remains as vibrant as ever. The impact he made on Formula 1 and the inspiration he continues to provide to aspiring drivers around the world is a testament to his unmatched skill and determination.
In conclusion, Ayrton Senna's first victory at the 1985 Portuguese Grand Prix was not just a milestone in his career; it was a defining moment in the history of Formula 1. As fans gather to celebrate this anniversary, they are reminded of the brilliance of a driver who became a legend and a source of pride for Brazil. The upcoming special episode of "Galvão e Amigos" serves as a perfect tribute to a racing icon whose spirit continues to inspire generations.
