Lotus is a British racing team that has had a significant presence in Formula One since the 1950s. The team has won numerous World Championships and has had some of the sport’s greatest drivers compete for them. It is renowned for its innovative and groundbreaking designs, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, which helped to revolutionize the sport.
In the early years of Formula One, the team was a small, independent team that struggled to compete against the larger, more established teams. However, in the 1960s, Lotus began to make a name for itself with its innovative designs and its ability to attract top drivers. In 1962, Lotus introduced the monocoque chassis, which was a significant departure from the traditional tube-frame designs used by other teams. This new design made the car stronger, lighter, and more aerodynamic, and it quickly became the standard for Formula One cars.
During the 1960s and 1970s, the team was a dominant force in Formula One, winning seven Constructors’ Championships and six Drivers’ Championships. Drivers such as Jim Clark, Graham Hill, and Jochen Rindt all won World Championships driving for Lotus. In the 1980s and 1990s, Lotus struggled to remain competitive, but the team continued to produce innovative designs, such as the active suspension system used on the Lotus 99T in 1987.
Today, it is owned by the Luxembourg-based investment group, Genii Capital, and the team competes under the name Lotus Racing. Although the team has struggled to compete with the larger, more established teams in recent years, it remains a beloved and iconic name in the world of Formula One.
