Video: Andretti’s Lotus 79 takes to the Festival of Speed Hill

19th May 2025

Russell Campbell

The Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard this year celebrates 75 years of the Formula 1 World Championship, giving us an excellent excuse (if one were ever needed) to take a nose into our archives for this footage of the 1978 Championship-winning Lotus 79 on the Hill. Mario Andretti, who drove the car to the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship glory, will also be on hand for this year’s celebrations.

But it is Chris Dinnage who talks us through what made the 79 so special. Dinnage worked for Lotus from 1982, was Ayrton Senna’s chief mechanic and now manages the Classic Team Lotus fleet of more than 40 cars.

Mario Andretti joins F1 75 celebrations at Festival of Speed

The 79 was called back into service in 1979 after its replacement, the 80, proved uncompetitive in the season’s opening three races, meaning the it raced in both the John Player Special livery you see here and in equally iconic Martini colours.

Formalities out of the way, Dinnage, who has driven more Lotus models than anyone else in existence, takes to the Hill, clearing the throat of the car’s famous DFV V8 motor for a few minutes that encapsulate exactly why we’re so excited for this year’s event. Enjoy!

The 2025 Festival of Speed takes place on 10^th-13^th July. Friday and Saturday tickets are now sold out, but Thursday and limited Sunday tickets are still available.