Lotus Theory 1 Leads Thrilling Return to Goodwood 2025
Lotus storms back to the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2025 with its most immersive showcase yet, headlined by the Lotus Theory 1 concept car. This return of Lotus at Goodwood 2025 sees the striking prototype crown the Lotus stand on its Goodwood debut, underscoring the brand’s future-focused design while the event honours 75 years of Formula 1.
Theory 1 encapsulates Lotus’ vision of connected, uncompromising performance, blending digital and analogue control for an intensely engaging drive. Ben Payne, Vice President of Design, Lotus Group, confirmed, “Theory 1 represents the next chapter for Lotus, and we’re thrilled to show the car during the event. This concept builds on everything Lotus has achieved in its 77-year history, pushing the boundaries of what it means to drive a performance vehicle. We want to demonstrate that you don’t need to compromise – with both digital and analogue capabilities working harmoniously in the future car. In doing this, we can bring drivers the best possible immersive driving experience with raw emotion, functionality and connectivity at the core.”
To celebrate the anniversary, Lotus highlights its F1 heritage by displaying the Lotus Type 33, driven by Jim Clark to the 1965 World Championship, and the Lotus 97T, in which Ayrton Senna claimed his first Grand Prix win. Fans can hear exclusive reflections from Clive Chapman, Managing Director of Classic Team Lotus, and Chris Dinnage, the team’s manager and Senna’s former number-one mechanic, during interviews on Saturday and Sunday at 12:30.
Chapman reflected, “2025 marks the 40th anniversary of Ayrton Senna’s first F1 victory at Estoril with Team Lotus, a defining moment for both team and driver. We also celebrated the 60th anniversary of Jim Clark’s unrivalled year of winning the Formula 1 World Championship, Indianapolis 500, Tasman Series and the Formula 2 Championship. The talent, technical understanding, and passion of both drivers helped push Team Lotus to such great achievements. I am sure the fans at Goodwood will enjoy seeing these iconic cars and listening to our insights into the careers of two of the greatest drivers in the 75 years of F1.”
Team Lotus returns to competition with the Emira Cup racer, developed from the road-going Emira. It showcases the Emira GT4 on the stand, guiding enthusiasts from initial track days to full Lotus Cup series battles worldwide.
Lotus further energises Goodwood with daily dynamic hill runs for Evija, Emeya, Eletre and Emira. At the same time, product specialists invite visitors to examine the models in depth, uniting past glories with future ambitions.
The Lotus stand hosts lively Q&As led by journalist and presenter Natasha Bird, who explores heritage, innovation and inclusion in motorsport. Natasha said, “I’m looking forward to hosting a series of discussions on the Lotus stand again this year. We’ll dive into Lotus’ incredible heritage of racing passion and innovation in motorsport and also explore how the industry is moving towards a more inclusive future.”
Families can revel in high-octane Lotus Moments at 11:00 and 15:00, while Thursday conversations at 11:30 and 14:00 dissect the brand’s DNA. On Friday at 14:00, a panel on ‘Race for Diversity and Inclusion’ will examine ways to widen access to motorsport from an early age.
Throughout the weekend, Lotus honours Jim Clark and Ayrton Senna once more, as Clive Chapman revisits their remarkable achievements and the enduring spirit of Team Lotus, ensuring the 75-year Formula 1 celebration resonates with every generation.
