Netflix’s Senna series, which releases on 29 November, promises to recreate Ayrton Senna’s legacy for fans worldwide.
This six-part series directed by Vicente Amorim charts Senna’s journey before and during Formula One. I never got to see the man live; maybe this could be that chance?
Who Was Ayrton Senna? The Man Behind the Legend
Ayrton Senna da Silva wasn’t just a Formula One driver—he was ‘speed’ itself, a national hero in Brazil.
Born in São Paulo in 1960, Senna developed a passion for racing at a very young age. By 1981, he had moved to open-wheel racing, and by 1983, he was in the British Formula Three Championship. He made his Formula One debut with Toleman in 1984. This is where most fans will begin to remember him.
Senna’s most celebrated years came at McLaren, particularly with the iconic MP4/4 car. Engineered by Gordon Murray and powered by Honda, the MP4/4 remains one of Formula One’s most revered machines.
Aside from Brawn GP’s car, that car was a beast!
Senna’s success with the MP4/4 is, to put it simply, iconic in the world’s truest sense. His 1988 season was nearly flawless, with eight wins and a comeback from 14th to first at the Japanese Grand Prix that my father still talks about over his weekly whisky.
His “lap of the gods” at the 1993 European Grand Prix at Donington Park, where he overtook five cars in a single lap despite slick conditions, showed he was not human!
Tragically, Senna’s life was cut short in a fatal crash during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix at Imola. He was only 34.
Off the track, his commitment to helping underprivileged children in Brazil showcased a softer side of his character. Today, the Ayrton Senna Foundation, founded by his family, continues his legacy through educational initiatives that serve young people across Brazil.
Senna’s influence reaches into modern motoring as well, with the McLaren Senna paying tribute to him. For its time, the McLaren Senna was one of the fastest road-legal sports cars, embodying Ayrton’s speed. It’s a fitting homage to a man who delivered McLaren three world championships in six seasons, with 35 wins from 1985 to 1994 with his last season being a runner-up with the British manufacturer.
What to Expect in Senna
Recently, Netflix released the series’ second trailer, offering a glimpse of Ayrton’s life, from his early karting days to his breakthrough in Formula One. Key moments like the 1984 Monaco Grand Prix, where he stunned the world with his rain-soaked mastery and his heroic drive at the 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix, are highlights fans can look forward to.
The Cast of Senna
Another Brazilian, Gabriel Leone, dons the shoes of the protagonist, while his girlfriend Xuxa Meneghel is played by Pâmela Tomé. Matt Mella plays Alain Prost, while Patrick Kennedy plays the role of Ron Dennis. The casting also dramatizes other motorsport giants such as Nelson Piquet, Niki Lauda, and Jean-Marie Balestre among others. Netflix has stated that it has worked closely with Senna’s family on the biopic to show his legacy accurately.
