Ayrton Senna, the legendary Brazilian racing driver, continues to inspire fans even 30 years after his tragic death. A new Netflix mini-series, endorsed by his family, explores his journey from karting to Formula 1 stardom, emphasizing his rivalry with Alain Prost. While visually impressive, the series may oversimplify their relationship and lacks depth compared to previous documentaries. It aims to celebrate Senna’s legacy, making it a nostalgic watch for fans of the racing icon.
WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND IT?
Since his early years, Brazilian racing prodigy Ayrton Senna captivated audiences with his extraordinary talent, ultimately becoming a legendary figure in Formula 1. However, his life and career took a tragic turn that would leave a lasting impact on the sport.
WHO IS IN THE SPOTLIGHT?
Ayrton Senna is more than just a symbol of success in Formula 1 for many Brazilians. Even three decades after his untimely demise, he is revered as an enduring icon, with his achievements celebrated by all. In a nation where football reigns supreme, Senna carved out a remarkable legacy among the sport’s greatest figures.
Bringing the essence of the three-time F1 world champion to life was no easy task. With the Senna family’s endorsement, actor Gabriel Leone was chosen for the role. Known for his performance in the series DOM on Prime Video, he also portrayed Spanish racer Alfonso de Portago in Michael Mann’s film Ferrari.
The 31-year-old actor’s portrayal is compelling, though he admits to feeling the weight of Senna’s legendary status. His physical resemblance to the racing icon adds an extra layer of authenticity to Leone’s performance.
In contrast, the likeness between Franco-American actor Matt Mella and Alain Prost, the four-time world champion he plays, is less apparent. Prost serves as the series’ antagonist during the episodes that highlight the fierce rivalry between him and Senna.
Fictional character Laura, a journalist, is introduced to enhance the narrative. Kaya Scodelario, who brings Laura to life, is British with Brazilian heritage, allowing her to seamlessly switch between English and Portuguese.
IS IT WORTH YOUR TIME?
May 1 marked the somber 30th anniversary of the tragic day when Ayrton Senna lost his life in a devastating accident at the San Marino Grand Prix. As a three-time world champion, his remarkable achievements continue to be celebrated as some of the most memorable moments in Formula 1 history.
Despite his life being the subject of numerous documentaries, this Netflix series represents the first fictional depiction of Ayrton Senna’s journey. The project received the Senna family’s blessing, particularly from Viviane Senna, who oversees her brother’s legacy and public image.
A RESPECTFUL TRIBUTE TO A CHAMPION
The mini-series Senna is crafted as a heartfelt tribute to the racing legend. Sticking close to biopic conventions, it chronicles key milestones in his life: from his karting beginnings to his Formula 1 debut, his early victories, and his first world championship title in 1988, culminating in his intense rivalry with Alain Prost.
Similar to Asif Kapadia’s acclaimed documentary from 2011, this series positions Senna and Prost in a classic good versus bad narrative.
While it’s true that their rivalry sometimes led Prost to questionable actions, this simplistic portrayal may overlook the complexities of their relationship.
In the Netflix mini-series, Senna is celebrated as a brilliant driver and obsessive perfectionist. However, these six episodes tend to showcase only his positive attributes, avoiding any mention of his more controversial behaviors that could tarnish his legendary status.
VISUALS AND STORYTELLING
In its effort to portray Senna in a favorable light, the series implies that he could only be defeated through underhanded tactics. His competitors in both karting and Formula 1 seem incapable of defeating him on equal terms.
The series boasts a significant budget, evident in the visually stunning racing sequences. However, it also suffers from inconsistent production quality, with elements such as its overly dramatic opening credits reminiscent of daytime soap operas.
Throughout the series, directors Vicente Amorim and Julia Rezende subtly reference Brazil’s rich political and social history. Close-ups of newspaper articles and news footage allude to significant events that shaped the nation during the 1980s.
AN ANECDOTAL EXPERIENCE
While incorporating these historical references could have enriched the narrative, the execution often detracts from the main storyline. In trying to provide contextual depth, the directors occasionally lose focus on their core subject.
Though the series is not unenjoyable, the six episodes can feel stretched, offering little new insight into Ayrton Senna’s life. Asif Kapadia’s brilliant documentary accomplishes more in just 106 minutes, which is roughly the length of one and a half episodes.
This series could be seen as a precursor to the documentary series Formula 1: Drivers of Their Destiny, also produced by Netflix. Fans who grew up witnessing Ayrton Senna’s remarkable achievements will likely appreciate revisiting the highlights of his career.
You can now catch all six episodes of the mini-series Senna exclusively on Netflix.
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