Tuesday 17th January 1995
What seemed at the time to be the end of an era as Lotus announced it was withdrawing from F1 because of chronic financial problems. Formed in 1952, Lotus had been an ever present since it made its F1 debut in 1958, going on to win six drivers’ championships and seven constructors’ titles. “I am confident that there is a path through all this to long-term security,” said owner David Hunt, brother of former champion James. “Other than Ferrari, the Lotus name is arguably the strongest in grand prix racing. What I want to avoid is allowing the team to be put in a situation where it is going to struggle around at the back of the grid and have its name dragged further through the mud.” Sadly, that just what happened in 2010 when the brand returned under Malaysian ownership. It laboured near the back of the field all season and a fight subsequently started over who had rights to the name – manufacturer Proton or team boss Tony Fernandes. At least that was dragged through the courts rather than mud.
