Kaya Scodelario’s character, Laura Harrison, is fictional
Synopsis
Fictional miniseries about the life of Ayrton Senna da Silva, the Brazilian racing legend who won the Formula 1 World Championship three times. She is based on journalists who reported on Ayrton Senna’s career. In addition, Scodelario’s family is of Brazilian origin and comes from Senna’s home state of São Paulo. She is also fluent in Brazilian Portuguese.
There are no mountains in England, especially in Norfolk, famous for its flat landscape
The first races of Senna’s career in England are shown on a racetrack next to a mountain range. The Netflix series about Senna is a production that aims to portray the essence of Ayrton Senna, not only as a racing driver, but also as a cultural and sporting icon. In six episodes, we embark on a visual and emotional journey through the career of one of Brazil’s greatest heroes. Technically, Senna shines with masterfully filmed racing scenes that convey an intensity and realism that puts the viewer directly on the track, with every curve, every acceleration and every overtaking manoeuvre vibrating on the screen.
Gabriel Leone’s portrayal of Ayrton Senna is one of the production’s greatest strengths
The sound of the engine and the use of tight camera angles recreate the adrenaline of Formula 1 racing with impressive authenticity. For those who grew up with Senna’s magical Sundays, the series succeeds in evoking nostalgia, almost as if he were racing again. Leone doesn’t just imitate Senna, he embodies his essence: the passion for motorsport, his almost obsessive perfectionism and the spiritual connection he had with what he did. Even in the most intimate and quiet moments, Leone brings nuances that humanize the legend without detracting from its shine.
Senna is not just a story, he is an experience
While some critics have pointed out limitations in the dramatic development of the supporting characters, it is important to recognise what Senna is: a visual and emotional tribute to the driver’s legacy. The series is not intended to be a documentary, but rather a dramatised narrative that captures Senna’s cultural influence and revives his presence in the collective memory. In this sense, the approach functions as a tribute full of reverence and emotion. For anyone who remembers the joy of watching him win, this series is a blast from the past.