Here are four fun facts, plus one bonus, about the miniseries dedicated to Ayrton Senna, released on Netflix at the end of November 2024.
On November 29, 2024, to mark the 30th anniversary of Ayrton Senna’s crash at the Tamburello corner on the Imola circuit, Netflix released a TV series about the Brazilian champion, played by Gabriel Leone. Leone had previously portrayed Alfonso de Portago in the 2023 film Ferrari, marking his debut in the cinematic world.
The miniseries – which has drawn criticism from Alain Prost but has also been called a “love letter to the Driver” by the public – consists of six episodes and traces the early failures and successes of the three-time world champion. It covers his journey from Formula Ford to the inner torment that marked Senna’s final days, culminating in the tragic Sunday of May 1, 1994. It also delves into his relationships with Brazilian showgirl Xuxa and later with Adriane Galisteu, as well as his rivalry with French driver Alain Prost during their time at McLaren.
Here are four fun facts (+1) about the Netflix series Senna:
- A total of 22 cars were constructed to tell the story of the Brazilian legend’s career at every stage, from karting to his dream achievement in Formula 1.
- The suits, gloves, shoes, and helmets were all made with flame-resistant materials to ensure maximum authenticity. The production also included an aging process for the fabrics to make the worn suits identical to the originals. The International Automobile Federation (FIA) even authorized the reproduction of F1 logos and uniforms.
- The series required a massive structure, with actors and professionals from 16 different countries. Filming took place over six months across Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Northern Ireland, making it a milestone for the Brazilian entertainment industry.
- To stay true to Ayrton Senna’s physical appearance, Gabriel Leone had to wear prosthetics on his nose and ears.
Bonus Fact: The character played by Kaya Scodelario, known for her roles in Skins, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, and Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, is entirely fictional. Scodelario’s character, Laura Harrison, was created specifically for the series. Moreover, it had been a dream of the British actress to be part of a Brazilian project to honor her maternal roots.
Photo: Senna Brasil, Netflix Brasil.
