On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Ayrton Senna’s first Formula 1 victory, Portuguese team Estoril Praia has dedicated its fourth kit to the racing legend.
The year was 1985, and the date was April 21. Ayrton Senna claimed the first victory of his career at the wheel of the Lotus 97T on the Estoril circuit, home of that season’s Portuguese Grand Prix in Formula 1. After the win that slipped through his fingers on the streets of Monaco the previous year—his debut season—the new Lotus driver, already making a name for himself, confirmed a rare ability to dominate in wet conditions, displaying the tenacity and raw talent that would define his legendary career in the years to come.
In just a few days, it will be the 40th anniversary of that first triumph by “Beco”, achieved with more than a one-minute lead over Michele Alboreto. To celebrate the anniversary and honor Ayrton Senna, Estoril Praia—the Portuguese team competing in the Primeira Liga—alongside sponsor Kappa, has created a special match jersey that will be worn by the players in an official game, starting with the fixture on April 19 against Sporting Braga.
António Nobre, Estoril Praia’s Marketing Director, explained the reason behind dedicating the team’s fourth kit of the season to Ayrton Senna. The shirt complements the club’s home, away, and alternative kits, the latter being used when the first two clash with an opponent’s colors. “The purpose of launching this fourth piece of equipment is, on one hand, to celebrate one of the most beautiful legacies the Cascais region has given us.”
“Emotionally, this story has touched several generations and continues to be remembered fondly to this day. For Estoril Praia, it is a tribute to Ayrton Senna. On the other hand, it is a reminder of a legacy that was born right here, through the very first Formula 1 win of a driver who became the ultimate symbol of motorsport—and someone who chose to spend much of his life in the municipality of Cascais and in Portugal “.
“We are very proud that Ayrton Senna’s victorious journey began at Estoril, on that unforgettable rainy afternoon, the memories of which are and will be passed down through generations—by the people of Cascais and by all Portuguese motorsport fans. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Senna Brands for supporting this initiative, as Senna is an essential icon of our region. This is a worthy tribute to the life of one of the most charismatic and talented figures in global sports, ” he concluded.
Estoril Praia isn’t the only club to have honored the South American driver with a commemorative shirt over the years. A notable precedent was set by Corinthians, a team in Brazil’s Série A, which unveiled their third kit for the 2018/2019 season in collaboration with Nike. That shirt celebrated the period Senna spent racing with Lotus.
Photo: Estoril Praia.