Ayrton Senna's 1986 Lotus 98T F1 Car Heads to Multi-Million Dollar Auction

Ayrton Senna's 1986 Lotus 98T Formula 1 car, the machine he drove to two Grand Prix victories, will be auctioned by RM Sotheby's in March 2026 with an estimated value between $9.5 million and $12 million. The chassis, one of just four built, represents the final chapter of the iconic John Player Special livery in F1 and is a relic from the sport's wildly powerful turbo era.

Why it matters:

The auction of a race-winning car driven by one of F1's most legendary figures offers a rare chance to own a pivotal piece of motorsport history. Its value reflects not just Senna's enduring legacy but also the car's significance as a technological icon from an extreme period of engineering, marking the end of a famous sponsorship era for the Lotus team.

The details:

• Historic Performance: Senna piloted this specific chassis to victory at the 1986 Spanish and Detroit Grands Prix. The 98T also secured five pole positions and three podium finishes during that season.
• Technical Extreme: The car is emblematic of F1's peak turbo era. Senna's lead engineer, Steve Hallam, recalled the brutal stress on components, noting mechanics had to change the glowing red turbochargers after every single qualifying lap due to the immense heat and strain.
• Design & Legacy: Designed by Gérard Ducarouge and Martin Ogilvie, the 98T was driven by Senna and teammate Johnny Dumfries. The 1986 season was the last for the iconic black-and-gold John Player Special livery, as the sponsor withdrew after Lotus signed Honda's test driver for 1987, wanting a British driver lineup.

What's next:

Bidding for this piece of F1 heritage opens on March 4, 2026. The high estimate underscores the growing market for significant Formula 1 race cars, particularly those linked to transcendent talents like Senna. Its sale will be a key indicator of the value placed on authentic, race-winning machinery from a defining period in the sport's history.