60 years ago: the first victory of a Lotus single-seater in F1

Lotus retains a special place in the history of F1, with several Manufacturers' crowns and six titles won by the drivers of the team founded in 1952 by Colin Chapman.

However, the first success of a car designed under the leadership of the British genius does not belong to the official Lotus team, but to the Rob Walker Racing Team. On May 29, 1960, in the rain-soaked streets of the Principality of Monaco, Sir Stirling Moss brings his Lotus 18 in first position ahead of Bruce McLaren, second, 52″.

A performance which opens the book of statistics for the different Lotus single-seaters in the history of the discipline, two years after the launch of single-seaters in the Grand Prix, already in Monaco.

“Moss winning the 1960 Monaco GP was a David versus Goliath story, which received a superb reception and provided a major boost to the still fledgling Lotus brand. admits Clive Chapman, son of the founder.

Moss was naturally fast, thoughtful and mechanically docile, traits which were most useful in Monaco, when the race lasted three hours. Rob Walker and my father had a mutually beneficial relationship that enjoyed great success throughout the 1960s.

Walker's lasting relationship with Sir Stirling Moss was even stronger. Clearly, Walker, as a participant and private sponsor, provided Moss with what he needed to showcase his abilities. »