Senna

The Netflix Senna series is a production that aims to portray Ayrton Senna's essence, not just as a driver, but as a cultural and sporting icon. Over six episodes, we are transported into a visual and emotional journey through the trajectory of one of Brazil's greatest heroes.

Technically, Senna shines with masterfully filmed racing scenes, bringing an intensity and realism that places the viewer right on the track, with each turn, acceleration, and overtaking vibrating on the screen. The sound of engines and the use of tight angles recreate the adrenaline of Formula 1 races with impressive authenticity. For those who grew up watching Senna's magical Sundays, the series manages to evoke that nostalgia, almost as if he were competing again.

Gabriel Leone's performance as Ayrton Senna is one of the production's greatest strengths. Leone does not merely imitate Senna, but embodies his essence: the passion for motorsports, his almost obsessive perfectionism, and the spiritual connection he had with what he did. Even in the most intimate and silent moments, Leone delivers nuances that humanize the legend without diminishing his brilliance.

While some critics have pointed out limitations in the dramatic development of secondary characters, it's important to recognize what Senna is: a visual and emotional tribute to the driver's legacy. The series does not aim to be a documentary, but a dramatized narrative that captures Senna's cultural impact and revives his presence in the collective imagination. In this sense, the approach works as a tribute, full of reverence and emotion.

Senna is not just a story; it's an experience. For those who remember the joy of seeing him win, this series is a gateway to the past. For new generations, it is an introduction to what made Ayrton Senna more than just a driver - a legend.

EN Translate: I am a 23 year old Turk and I started watching F1 this season and after seeing that it was a much bigger competition than my favorite sport, football, I started to like it more than football. Then I heard about Senna. I was eagerly waiting for this series to air so that I could get to know him better. I finished the series in one sitting and liked it very much. The acting, the camera transitions, everything was made into an engaging series. Later, when I watched the behind the scenes and saw the cars being made, I realized that I never asked myself where these cars came from. There is an incredible amount of effort in the series. We, the normal viewers, usually don't even notice these things. I may not have written a review for a series before, but I wanted to write for this one. I don't get emotional easily in a series, but I had a hard time holding myself back in this one. You managed to take me into a world I hadn't experienced. You introduced this legend to my generation and maybe the next generations will get to know him thanks to you. Congratulations, you really did a great job.

Firstly, while opinions on historical accuracy can vary, one cannot overlook the profound impact Ayrton Senna had on Brazil and its people. Beyond his undeniable talent and charisma on the racetrack, Senna was-and remains-a unifying symbol for a nation often divided by social, economic, and political differences. At a time when Brazil faced immense challenges, he brought hope, pride, and a rare sense of togetherness. Even today, in an era marked by political polarization, Senna's legacy continues to transcend these divisions, making him one of the few figures that all Brazilians can celebrate.

As for the series itself, it is a masterpiece of storytelling and production. The cinematography, acting, and attention to detail set a new standard for Brazilian series, making it arguably the best ever produced in the country. It captures not just the man behind the wheel, but the cultural phenomenon that Senna became. While dramatization is inevitable in such works, it serves to highlight the emotional and historical resonance of Senna's journey, rather than detract from it.

Ultimately, the series is not meant to be a documentary but a tribute to a man who inspired millions. It succeeds in evoking the passion, dedication, and human connection that defined Ayrton Senna-a man whose story deserves to be remembered and celebrated.

I call this show the FW16 of biopics because just like the car Senna was killed in, it was good but, umm...

OK, positives first. By and large, they got Senna's uncompromising nature right, especially by way of illustrating his team principals' exasperation. Attention to detail was brilliant; seeing MP4/4s race sent chills up my spine, but that shot of Senna alone in the briefing room at the end of Suzuka perfectly recreates the ITV shot from 1989.

I've seen another reviewer say that they story was one-sided. I agree, but then again, so what? The fans who followed the shenanigans in 1989 to 1993 would be familiar with the French Connection, if they didn't outright believe in its gospel truth. This is obviously a show for Senna fans, not Balestre apologists.

That said, there were a few things that the scriptwriters could have paid attention to:

1) Including Senna's personal relationships with people like Gerhard Berger and Josef Leberer would have gone a long way to humanising him;

2) They could have placed much more emphasis on the work Senna put into developing the car - he had a reputation for providing his mechanics with feedback until they begged to go home; and

3) Donnington 1993 - I can't believe they completely ignored the greatest single lap in all F1 history.

I was still young when the first Formula 1 race came to Hungary... I was there and watched in amazement a black and gold car as a young driver dismissed famous great drivers one after another. I will never forget how I saw in this driver the fighting spirit, the love of racing. I loved him from the first moment... Since 1986 I have been an unwavering fan of Ayrton Senna, the best racing driver the world has ever seen. I saw every race he did after him... I was personally there among the enthusiastic audience at many races. I read every available newspaper article, news, book about him that I could. His accident and death really affected me... I didn't watch Formula 1 racing for years afterwards. In recent years I have started watching Formula 1 races on TV again... It is very different from when he was there. Of course, this is a different generation. I miss the passion, the desire to win, the heroism that I saw in him every minute he was in the car. Ayrton Senna is a three-time world champion. Others may have more world championship titles, but they will never be as iconic as SENNA.

He was the best... He is still the best!