The real story behind Netflix’s Senna series, explained

Netflix's miniseries, Senna, released on November 29, 2024, is a biographical drama based on the life of the legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna. This six-episode series delves into his career, personal life, and the tragic end of his racing journey.

The series is designed for motorsport fans and also for those who are interested in the life of this iconic figure. Its blend of personal drama and the thrills of Formula 1 racing has made it one of the most anticipated releases on Netflix.

The series dramatizes Ayrton's life from his racing beginnings to his untimely death. A touching tribute to Brazil's most beloved figure, the series focuses on his life, career, and legacy.

As Showrunner Vicente Amorim told Queue,

"Every Sunday the country would come together to see this very special man do very special things. What really captured me, I think, was that he wasn’t just a good driver — he was somebody that cared about being Brazilian, that cared about being Latin American.”

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Senna: Exploring the real story behind the Netflix series

The Senna series recounts Brazilian Formula 1 legend Ayrton's rise to fame, struggles, and fatal accident. From go-karting to Formula 1, Senna faced many challenges on and off the track. His move to England to race Formula Ford is followed by his rise from Formula 3 to Formula 1.

As Netflix mentions about his career graph,

"Senna’s six episodes begin as the eventual three-time Formula 1 champion moves to England to compete in Formula Ford; they continue through his fatal accident in Imola, Italy, during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.

It further mentions,

"The series tells a fictionalized version of the beloved driver’s ride through life, but many of its elements — from some of the people around him to the lasting impact his death had on safety regulations in Formula 1 — are very real."

Ayrton's racing career demonstrates dedication, fierce competition with Alain Prost, and safety enhancements. Senna chronicles his struggles and successes. The show depicts his 1994 San Marino Grand Prix crash and untimely death, which changed Formula 1.

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Ayrton, his unfortunate fatal crash and untimely death

On May 1, 1994, Ayrton died during the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola. On lap 7, his car went off track at the Tamburello corner and hit a concrete barrier. The crash caused severe head injuries, with a piece of the car’s suspension striking his helmet.

Despite quick medical help, Ayrton’s injuries were too serious. He was airlifted to the hospital, but doctors confirmed brain damage. At 6:40 p.m., Senna was declared dead. His death, along with the loss of Roland Ratzenberger the day before, led to big changes in Formula 1, improving driver safety and track design.

Ayrton raised safety concerns before his final race. After his death, along with Roland Ratzenberger's the day before, the FIA made major safety changes. They removed dangerous corners, added safety barriers, and set pit-lane speed limits.

Over the next 30 years, new safety measures like roll bars, head and neck support devices, and better helmets were introduced. Drivers also reinstated their union, the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, to advocate for safety improvements in Formula 1.

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The cast of the Netflix series

• Gabriel Leone as Ayrton Senna
• Alice Wegmann as Lílian de Vasconcellos Souza
• Kaya Scodelario as Laura
• Pâmela Tomé as Xuxa Meneghel
• Julia Foti as Adriane Galisteu
• Camila Márdila as Viviane
• Susana Ribeiro as Neyde Joana
• Marco Ricca as Milton Guirado Theodoro da Silva
• Nicolas Cruz as Leonardo
• Gabriel Louchard as Galvão Bueno

The series depicts Formula 1 legend Ayrton emotionally and realistically. His rise to fame, struggles, and legacy are explored in the series. His tragic death highlighted his safety contributions to the sport. This series is a must-see for motorsports and legend fans.

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All six episodes of Senna are available for streaming on Netflix.