Ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, Netflix has unveiled the trailer for a documentary about Formula 1 icon Ayrton Senna. Set to stream on November 29, the documentary will explore the Brazilian’s illustrious F1 career. Tragically, the three-time World Champion lost his life in a devastating crash at Imola in 1994.
The six-part series produced by the Brazilian division of the streaming giant was announced in 2020, initially slated for an eight-part broadcast in 2022. The story chronicles Senna’s journey from his arrival in Britain to compete in Formula Ford to his rise in Formula 1. Between 1988 and 1991, he won three world championships and infamously lost the 1989 title to his teammate and fierce rival Alain Prost under controversial circumstances.
The trailer features Senna racing in the 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix, where he achieved his first home victory despite his car getting stuck in gear during the final laps as rain began to pour. It also includes flashbacks to pivotal moments in his career, such as his karting days, his surprising second-place finish for Toleman at the 1984 Monaco Grand Prix, and his breakthrough victory for Lotus in Portugal the following year.
Nothing moves faster than a lifetime. Senna, the limited series about the driver destined to be a hero, premieres November 29. pic.twitter.com/vRpLHTpHiK
— Netflix (@netflix) October 29, 2024
Alongside thrilling wheel-to-wheel racing that will please even the most dedicated enthusiasts, the series, led by showrunner Vicente Amorim, also presents Senna’s supportive parents, Miltão (Marco Ricca) and Zaza (Susana Ribeiro); his glamorous pop star girlfriend, Xuxa (Pâmela Tomé); and Laura Harrison (Kaya Scodelario), a fictional reporter who becomes one of the driver’s closest allies after his move to Europe.
Released a day before the 30th anniversary of Senna’s death, which occurred when he crashed while leading the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola, the trailer highlights key aspects of his legacy.
Netflix Brazil filmed the series in two locations in Brazil: São Paulo, Senna’s hometown where the Brazilian Grand Prix is held at Interlagos, and Rio de Janeiro, which previously hosted the race at the now-demolished Jacarepaguá circuit. Additional filming took place in Britain, Argentina, and Uruguay, with Gabriel Leone portraying Senna.
The series was developed in collaboration with Senna’s family and their Senna Brands company, which oversees the use of his identity and supports the Ayrton Senna Institute. Founded by Senna’s sister Viviane, the institute aims to provide developmental opportunities for young Brazilians. Senna was also the focus of a 2010 film titled Senna, which utilized original footage to narrate his life story.
Netflix’s legacy of F1 documentaries
Through its documentary series and films, Netflix has left a remarkable mark on the world of Formula 1, connecting seasoned motorsport fans with newcomers. With compelling storytelling, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights, Netflix’s F1 documentaries have effectively introduced the sport to a broader global audience.
Drive to Survive has arguably transformed Formula 1 coverage, introducing a new generation of fans to the sport. Since its 2019 debut, the series has taken viewers behind the scenes, revealing the intensity of rivalries, the immense pressures faced by drivers and team managers, and the relentless commitment needed to compete at the sport’s highest level.
A Life of Speed: The Juan Manuel Fangio Story is a captivating documentary that immerses viewers in the golden age of Formula 1, highlighting the extraordinary life and career of Juan Manuel Fangio. Known as the “Maestro,” Fangio reigned over 1950s motorsport, capturing five Formula 1 World Championships during a time when the sport was both thrilling and perilously unsafe. Directed by Francisco Macri and produced by Netflix, the film explores Fangio’s life, the daring challenges of racing in his era, and the profound legacy he left on F1.
Read More: Top 5 Sports Documentaries To Watch
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
