The Lotus team approached the 1980 season with a conservative approach: the new 81 F1 took into account the experiences accumulated with the 79 and the 80 without being particularly revolutionary. The monocoque was derived from that of the 80 and a mid-season update gave birth to the 81B. The 81 and 81B proved to be quite competitive, with a second and third place from De Angelis. The 81 was also used in 1981, in three races, before being replaced by the 87.