Netflix offers preview of Senna mini-series

Netflix has offered a first look at its new mini-series based on the life of Ayrton Senna. The six-part series is a fictionalised look at the life of the three-time Formula 1 world champion, produced with the Senna family and starring Gabriel Leone in the titular role. It comes 14 years after the hugely popular Senna documentary film by Asif Kapadia, which arguably introduced the 41-time grand prix winner to a new generation of audiences. The first teaser trailer, released on the 30th anniversary of Senna’s death, features the 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix, where Senna famously won after eight attempts at glory on home soil. You see Leone, as Senna, preparing for the race from the cockpit of his McLaren MP4/6 (its V12 Honda soundtrack being cruelly overdubbed with V8 sounds in the trailer), in action on track — with other scenes from the series interspersed throughout — and then him screaming as he crosses the line. The focus isn’t just on that day at Interlagos, though. Netflix says, “The six-episode series will showcase Senna’s journey of triumphs, disappointments, joys, and sorrows, unveiling his personality and personal relationships. It begins with the start of the three-time Formula 1 champion’s motor racing career, when he moves to England to compete in Formula Ford, and continues to his fatal accident in Imola, Italy, during the San Marino Grand Prix.” Alongside Leone, Pmela Tomé stars as Senna’s girlfriend Xuxa, Matt Mella plays Alain Prost; Patrick Kennedy plays legendary McLaren team principal Ron Dennis, Steven Mackintosh portrays Williams boss Frank Williams, while Tom Mannion will play famed FIA doctor Professor Sid Watkins. Vinvente Amorim serves as showrunner and co-director alongside Julia Rezende, with Gustavo Bragança is head writer, while Fabiano and Caio Gullananserve as producers. No release date for the series has been announced yet, with Netflix saying that it will arrive “later in 2024.”