Directly derived from the 87, the Lotus 91 for the 1982 Formula 1 season still used the Cosworth V8 engine. Compared to the 87, the Lotus 91 was lighter thanks to a wider use of carbon fiber, and stiffer. The whole suspension scheme was also improved. Three wheelbase configurations were used throughout the season. In 1982 Elio De Angelis won the Austrian GP in Zeltweg. The other Lotus driver was Nigel Mansell.
In 1982 Nigel Mansell was in his third season of Formula 1. Still with Lotus, the British driver did not achieve any notable results, scoring 7 points in the drivers' championship. His best placing was third place in the Brazilian GP in Rio, also achieved thanks to the disqualification of the top two finishers. Mansell then came fourth in Monaco.