The Lotus 88 made its debut at the first practice session of the 1981 season opener, the US Grand Prix West at Long Beach.

Although the Lotus 88 was not allowed to race, it was the first Formula One car to use a carbon fibre monocoque chassis and debut at a Grand Prix event.

However, the performance gains were such that other teams were soon following suit - although most had difficulty in replicating the Brabham system and used a simple switch to lower the car.

Lotus drivers Nigel Mansell and Elio de Angelis reported the car was pleasing to drive and responsive.

Other teams were outraged at this exploitation of the regulations and protests were lodged with the FIA, on the grounds that the twin chassis tub breached the rules in terms of moveable aerodynamic devices.