SAO PAULO — Thirty years following the tragic death of Formula One legend Ayrton Senna in a widely publicized crash, the remarkable journey of the Brazilian driver is set to be showcased to audiences worldwide. Senna, who lost his life when his car collided with a concrete barrier during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, is the focus of an upcoming six-part Netflix series slated for release on November 29. This series chronicles his rise from youthful go-kart enthusiast to his final moments on the Imola circuit in Italy.
Even after three decades, few figures in Formula One evoke such deep emotion and fervor among fans and fellow racers alike as Senna, a three-time world champion who tragically passed away at the age of 34. The complexity of his character—viewed as a saint by many Brazilian supporters, yet critiqued by others for his aggressive driving style—is vividly brought to life by Brazilian actor Gabriel Leone, who embraced the daunting task of depicting such an iconic personality.
“He was so much more than just a Formula One driver for us; he became a symbol that transcended the sport with his technique and driving prowess,” Leone shared in an interview conducted in Sao Paulo. “His sense of humanity and honesty resonated—his words and values made him relatable to the people.”
Senna’s life was filled with stories that could easily be adapted for television. This was a racer who famously clinched victory with his vehicle stuck in sixth gear at the Interlagos circuit, surged from fifth to first position in a single lap at the 1993 European Grand Prix, and showed incredible courage by exiting his car to assist a fellow driver after a crash.
His fierce on-track rivalry with Alain Prost stands as one of the most notable in Formula One history, characterized by tension and competition. Off the track, Senna’s romantic life included relationships with several high-profile models, such as Elle Macpherson.
“In my experience as an actor, the more intricate a character, the more engaging it is to portray them. Ayrton was undeniably a complex figure, an ultimate hero in Brazil—not merely in the realm of sports,” Leone expressed. “Senna transcended the persona of a driver; he is the hero revered by legendary figures like Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton.”
Capturing championship titles in 1988, 1990, and 1991 with McLaren, Senna was widely regarded as a top contender for the world title when he transitioned to Williams in the year of his demise. Leone emphasized the significance of representing Senna as a person who recognized his role as a national hero, advocating for the underprivileged while famously waving the Brazilian flag during his victory laps.
“He was approachable and relatable,” Leone explained, having recently attended the film’s premiere alongside other cast members and director Vicente Amorim. “That connection was felt by both Brazilians and international fans, then and now.”
To many around the globe, Senna epitomized an extraordinary talent designed for racing. Former competitor Martin Brundle, now a commentator, once compared Senna’s incredible grip on corners to an instinctive dance typical of Brazilians.
“The way he maneuvered was like a unique samba that I could never replicate,” Brundle remarked.
However, the Netflix series highlights the dedication and meticulous training Senna undertook to master driving in wet conditions. The streaming platform is said to have invested over $170 million into this production, although it somewhat embellishes certain historical details, particularly regarding the rivalry between Senna and Jean-Marie Balestre, the former FIA president.
Balestre has been accused frequently of favoring Prost in their confrontations, including a controversial incident during the 1984 Monaco Grand Prix, where the race was halted prematurely, preventing Senna from overtaking. Additionally, at the 1989 Japanese Grand Prix, Balestre’s decision to disqualify Senna ultimately handed the championship title to Prost. The series intensifies this narrative by attributing a go-kart championship loss in Senna’s youth to Balestre, a claim disputed by many longtime followers of Senna’s story.
Prost, portrayed by Matt Mella, transitions from being a rival to a post-retirement friend in alignment with real-life events, with the series capturing the electrifying moments from their intense championship battles of 1989 and 1990.
Three significant women from Senna’s life also feature prominently in the series. Lílian de Vasconcellos Souza, Senna’s first wife, shares insight into his early career motivations, while Xuxa Meneghel, a beloved TV personality, is spotlighted in an entire episode as his most significant romantic relationship. Adriane Galisteu, Senna’s girlfriend at the time of his accident, makes a brief appearance.
The legacy of Senna continues to resonate with contemporary F1 drivers, highlighted recently at the Brazilian Grand Prix where Hamilton drove one of Senna’s old cars to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his passing. “This is the greatest honor of my life,” said Hamilton on November 3. “I hope I made Senna proud.”