The iconic Lotus 102 appears on screen in the opening scene of the new Brad Pitt–produced F1 Movie.
The legendary Lotus 102 Formula 1 car is back in the spotlight — this time on the big screen — as it features prominently in the highly anticipated new F1 Movie, produced by Brad Pitt and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Opening with one of the most dramatic moments in Formula One history, the film recreates the horrifying 1990 Spanish Grand Prix crash involving Martin Donnelly. At the heart of that scene is the Lotus 102, placing this iconic machine front and centre in a cinematic retelling that introduces a new global audience to one of the sport’s most unforgettable cars.
For motorsport fans, the Lotus 102 is instantly recognisable in its striking yellow and blue Camel-sponsored livery. Designed by Frank Dernie, the car embodied early-1990s Formula One design, with bold aerodynamic features including large front wings, advanced underbody and diffuser development, and wide sidepods housing its most distinctive feature — a Lamborghini V12 engine. Notably, the 102 was the first Lotus Formula 1 car constructed entirely from carbon fibre and remains the only Lotus ever powered by a Lamborghini engine.
Only five chassis of the Lotus 102 were ever built between 1990 and 1992. Two were lost to significant accidents, including Donnelly’s near-fatal crash. Of the three surviving chassis, all have since been restored, preserving an important chapter of Formula 1 history. One such restoration was undertaken by Great British Sports Cars, who recently shared insights into the process via LinkedIn, highlighting the care and craftsmanship involved in returning the car to its former glory.
One of the surviving Lotus 102 chassis following expert restoration by Great British Sports Cars.
The car’s appearance in the F1 Movie is not its first return to public attention. Over the years, the Lotus 102 has been showcased at prestigious automotive events including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power. One particularly poignant moment came at Goodwood, where Martin Donnelly was reunited with the very car involved in his 1990 crash, driving it once more in front of thousands of fans — a powerful reminder of both the danger and resilience inherent in the sport.
Beyond its cinematic role, the Lotus 102 remains a symbol of Lotus’s final Formula 1 era: ambitious, innovative, and defiant in the face of immense challenges. While it never achieved championship success, its story is one of perseverance rather than trophies — a quality that continues to resonate with fans decades later.
As Lotus looks to the future with hybrid and electric performance cars, the legacy of machines like the 102 ensures the brand’s heritage remains firmly rooted in the present. With its dramatic return through Hollywood, the Lotus 102 is once again proving that it is not merely a museum piece, but a living icon of Formula 1 history — now immortalised for a new generation through film.
The Lotus 102 on secure display inside our newly engineered Icon Auto Vault.
🎥 Watch the Lotus 102 in action — featured in the opening scene of the new Brad Pitt F1 Movie.