Lotus Leads the Way as Estoril Classics Gets Underway
The first day of the 2026 Estoril Classics was marked by the return of Formula 1 cars to the Autódromo do Estoril, with the Classic GP officially opening a weekend dedicated to the history of motorsport. Qualifying confirmed Lotus's dominance, with the marque monopolising the front row of the grid, in an atmosphere that vividly evoked the years when the Cascais circuit hosted the Portuguese Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The elegance of the great classic racing machines and the sophistication of the prototypes and GT cars from the early 2000s were both on full display, roaring around the historic Estoril Circuit. The crowds were able to watch these machines up close as they demonstrated their distinctive competitive character, reinforcing the atmosphere that sets the Estoril Classics apart on the European motorsport calendar.
In the Classic GP, for Formula 1 single-seaters up to 1986, Nick Padmore's Lotus 87 claimed pole position in authoritative fashion, followed by Steven Brooks in the Lotus 91, confirming the superiority of the single-seaters designed by Colin Chapman's team. The McLaren MP4/1, a historic model driven by John Watson and Niki Lauda, came closest to the Lotuses, once again demonstrating the technical significance of Formula 1's first fully carbon-fibre chassis. The Riviera F170, which has one of the most unusual stories in the discipline, surprised with a brilliant performance to secure sixth place on the grid.
In the Endurance Racing Legends, the DBA 03S prototype (Reynard 02S-01 chassis), driven by Emile Breittmayer, was the fastest in qualifying, demonstrating its speed and aerodynamic efficiency ahead of the Panoz LMP1 Roadster-S, driven by Olivier Galant. However, the American prototype, also known as the ‘Batmobile’, stood out with its distinctive front-engined configuration and set the fastest time in the second qualifying session.
Shelby Cobras dominated the Sixties’ Endurance sessions, with three cars occupying the top three positions – two 289s and a Daytona Coupé – once again highlighting the strength and presence of the American GTs of the 1960s.
The agility of the Lister Knobbly Chevrolet paid dividends in the Gentlemen Challenge, as it set the fastest time ahead of a grid packed with cars of immense historical value, including the Porsche 904 Carrera GTS, Lotus XI and Morgan SLR.
The first day of the Estoril Classics once again demonstrated the event’s unique ability to bring together competition and heritage, giving spectators the opportunity to get up close to machines that have played a part in different chapters of motorsport history.
With the Classic GP set to contest its first race tomorrow at 3:50pm, broadcast live on DAZN5, the weekend – with free admission to the main straight grandstand – promises to maintain the atmosphere of excitement and discovery that has been winning over motorsport fans.
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