The 1983 season ended on a high note for Team Lotus, thanks to the arrival of technical director Gérard Ducarouge. Brought in mid-season by Peter Warr after the sudden death of team founder Colin Chapman, the French engineer created the 94T, which immediately improved the team’s performance, highlighted by a podium finish for Nigel Mansell in the penultimate race. With this momentum, John Player Team Lotus entered the 1984 season with both drivers, Italy’s Elio de Angelis and Britain’s Nigel Mansell, retained. The new Lotus 95T, once again designed by Ducarouge with help from Martin Ogilvie, was based on the successful 94T.
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| LOTUS 95T, Elio de Angelis Zolder, Belgian GP 1984 |
With refuelling banned and a maximum fuel capacity of 220 litres imposed, Ducarouge built a slightly less compact car, increasing its wheelbase by 120 mm. To counter the loss of downforce from the ground effect ban, Ogilvie equipped the 95T with large wings front and rear, using Ferrari-style sideplates.
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| LOTUS 95T, Elio de Angelis Montecarlo, Monaco GP 1984 |
The carbon monocoque chassis, a lighter yet stiffer version of the previous model, housed the new Renault EF4 V6 Turbo engine and a revised Hewland FGA five-speed gearbox strengthened by Lotus to withstand the engine’s torque. The car hit the regulation weight limit of 540 kg, and with a return to Goodyear tyres, the 95T proved strong in qualifying, securing two pole positions.
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| LOTUS 95T, Nigel Mansell Kyalami, South African GP 1984 |
Unfortunately, despite being one of the best cars of 1984, its high fuel consumption made it less competitive in races compared to the new TAG-Porsche engine powering the dominant McLarens. Nevertheless, the season was very positive: the 95T claimed six podiums, one second place and five thirds, earning 47 points and returning Lotus to the forefront of Formula 1. The team finished third in the Constructors’ Championship.
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| LOTUS 95T, Nigel Mansell Monza, Italian GP 1984 |
Elio de Angelis had a standout season, finishing third in the Drivers’ standings behind the two McLaren drivers. Mansell, plagued by mechanical failures and crashes, finished only tenth after 11 retirements. This led Warr to famously declare that Mansell would never be a winner, a prediction history would later prove wrong as Mansell went on to win titles in both Formula 1 and IndyCar.
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