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Kaya Scodelario’s character, Laura Harrison, is fictional
Fictional mini-series 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. Additionally, Scodelario’s family is Brazilian, originally 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 broadcast on a circuit next to a mountain range. The Netflix series Senna is a production that aims to represent the essence of Ayrton Senna, not only as a driver, but as a cultural and sporting icon. Over 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 places the viewer at the heart of the track, every turn, acceleration and overtaking vibrating on screen.
Gabriel Leone’s performance as Ayrton Senna is one of the production’s greatest assets
The sound of the engines and the use of tight angles 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 racing again. Leone doesn’t just imitate Senna, but 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 delivers nuances that humanize the legend without diminishing his genius.
Senna is not just a story, it is an experience
While some critics have pointed out the limitations of the dramatic development of the supporting characters, it is 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 an homage, full of reverence and emotion. For those who remember the joy of watching him win, this series is a gateway to the past.
