The 1985 Lotus 97T was essentially a development of the previous 95T. Aerodynamically improved and with a more performing and reliable Renault EF15 engine, the 97T proved highly competitive throughout the season, allowing De Angelis to win at Imola and finish eleven times in the points. The other Lotus driver, a young Senna, won in Portugal and Belgium. Lotus finished third in the constructors' championship.