New Delhi: A new Netflix series will delve deep into the life of Ayrton Senna, the legendary Formula One driver, who died thirty years ago following a high-speed crash during a live race. Three decades after one of the biggest sporting icons in the world lost his life tragically, Netflix, the OTT streaming giant will showcase Senna’s high-octane life in front of a global audience.
The iconic Brazilian racer was killed during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix after his car hit a concrete wall at Imola. His death became the cause of mass mourning across the globe, especially in Brazil, where he was regarded as a national hero.
Senna’s rise: From Go-Karting to Formula 1 dominance
Senna’s life will be the subject of a six-episode Netflix series that will be available on the streaming platform from November 29. The series follows his life from his early go-kart days to that fateful afternoon on the race track in Italy.
Even today, few sportspersons, let alone Formula One racers evoke as much emotion and passion among fans as Senna, who claimed three world titles before his untimely death at the tender age of 34.
The series will capture Senna’s complex personality, which divided the Formula One fraternity and fans. For some, he was a saint due to his emotional connection with Brazilian people while for some, he was a sinner owing to his aggressive driving style. Brazilian actor Gabriel Leone who will bring the legendary racer’s life on screen, admitted that he embraced the challenge of portraying such a popular figure.
The legacy of Ayrton Senna: A national hero’s enduring impact
“He was much more than an F1 driver for us, he became an icon, much beyond his technique and his driving,” Leone told The Associated Press in an interview in Sao Paulo.
“He had this humanity, this honesty. The things he said, his values, it all made him closer to people,” he added.
Senna’s life on and off the track was never short of made-for-screen moments. From once winning a race with his car stuck in sixth gear, to going from fifth position to first in one lap at the 1993 European Grand Prix from jumping out of his car during a training session to save the life of a driver, Senna always made the headlines.
His much-publicised rivalry with French driver Alain Prost was one of the most intense in the history of Formula One. He lived a colourful life off the track and had some high-profile relationships with several famous models, including Elle Macpherson.
Leone revealed that he portrayed Senna in a way that showcased his true personality for he was a role model for millions of Brazilians, who regarded him as a national hero.
The Netflix series also shows the behind-the-scenes hard work and attention to detail that made Senna a wet-weather master.
The streaming giant has reportedly invested more than $170 million in its production of the six-part series.
Netflix’s upcoming six-part series on Ayrton Senna delves into the life of the Brazilian legend, who is widely regarded as the greatest ever Formula One driver. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
