The John Player Special–liveried icon could fetch up to $12 million USD.
A Defining Machine From Senna’s Early Years
One of the most significant Formula 1 cars of the turbo era is set to cross the auction block as RM Sotheby’s prepares to offer Ayrton Senna’s 1986 Lotus 98T. Campaigned during a pivotal chapter in the Brazilian legend’s career, chassis 98T-3 is expected to achieve between $9.5 million and $12 million USD.
Driven by Senna in eight Grands Prix during the 1986 Formula One World Championship, this very car delivered five pole positions, three podium finishes, and two victories at the Spanish and United States Grands Prix. It stands as a tangible artifact from the years that cemented Senna’s reputation as one of the sport’s most electrifying talents.
The Final John Player Special Era
Finished in the instantly recognizable black and gold John Player Special livery, the Lotus 98T marks the final Formula 1 car to wear the historic colorway. Its low, angular silhouette embodies the raw aggression of mid-1980s aerodynamics, a period defined by extreme performance and technical experimentation.
Beneath the bodywork sits a Renault 1.5 liter turbocharged V6 engine, producing approximately 900 horsepower in race trim and reportedly nearing 1,200 horsepower in qualifying specification. The car has undergone a detailed restoration by Lanzante, retains its original engine, and remains fully operational for track use.
Sealed Auction This March
The 1986 Lotus 98T will be offered through a sealed online auction conducted by RM Sotheby’s, with bidding open from March 4 through March 11, 2026. For collectors and motorsport historians alike, the sale represents a rare opportunity to acquire a machine that helped define Formula 1’s turbocharged golden age.
