Kaya Scodelario’s character Laura Harrison is fictional
Narrative
Fictional miniseries based on the life of Ayrton Senna da Silva, the Brazilian racing legend who won the Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship three times. She is based on journalists who covered Ayrton Senna’s career. Scodelario’s family is also Brazilian, from Senna’s home state of São Paulo. She is also fluent in Brazilian Portuguese.
There are no mountains in England – especially Norfolk, which is 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 Senna is a production that aims to portray the essence of Ayrton Senna, not only as a driver, but as a cultural and sporting icon. Over the course of six episodes, we are taken on 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 puts the viewer directly on the track, with every curve, acceleration and overtaking move vibrating on the screen.
Gabriel Leone’s performance as Ayrton Senna is one of the production’s greatest strengths
The sound of the engines and the use of close-up shots recreate the adrenaline of Formula 1 racing 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. Leone does not limit himself to imitating Senna, but embodies his essence: his 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.
Senna is not just a story; it is an experience
Although some critics have pointed out limitations in the dramatic development of secondary characters, it is important to recognize 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 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. For those who remember the joy of watching him win, this series is a gateway to the past.