REVIEWED – Senna on Netflix: A hard watch for true F1 fans – The long-awaited Netflix miniseries *Senna*, a dramatised account of Ayrton Senna’s life and career, has finally landed on the streaming platform. With a total running time of nearly five hours across six episodes, the Brazilian-produced show is an ambitious attempt to chronicle one of F1’s most iconic figures.
For avid fans of the sport, however, the series raises a critical question: does it pay a fitting tribute to Senna’s legacy, or does it stumble under the weight of artistic license? Let’s take a look at the show’s strengths, weaknesses and overall experience.
A harrowing opening: The drama of Imola
The series opens with an emotionally charged scene set during the tragic weekend of the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix at Imola. Ayrton Senna is shown getting out of his race car and walking towards the crash site of Roland Ratzenberger.
Emergency services are shown struggling to save the Austrian driver’s life, while Senna locks eyes with race doctor Sid Watkins. In a sombre moment, Watkins shakes his head, silently conveying the futility of their efforts.
While this scene is undeniably gripping and dramatic, it takes significant liberties with historical accuracy. In reality, Senna never saw Ratzenberger at the scene, as the injured driver had been taken away by ambulance before Senna arrived.
For casual viewers, the dramatisation may heighten the emotional tension, but for avid F1 fans who know the details of that tragic weekend, it feels unnecessary and inauthentic.
This approach – prioritising drama over factual accuracy – is a recurring theme throughout the series and one of its most significant flaws.
F1 driver shoves the FIA president Ben Sulayem out of his way
Dramatisation over accuracy: A persistent problem
One of the central criticisms of *Senna* is its willingness to sacrifice truth for the sake of storytelling. While a certain amount of dramatisation is to be expected in a fictionalised account, the extent to which the show deviates from real events often undermines its credibility.
The show reduces complex relationships, historical rivalries and nuanced moments in Senna’s life to simplistic narratives that lack depth and authenticity.
For example, the series portrays Senna as a flawless hero, a man whose every action is noble and inspiring. This characterisation strips him of the very qualities that made him so compelling – his human flaws, his fiery temperament and his relentless drive to push the boundaries.
Instead, viewers are presented with a polished, almost mythical version of Senna that may appeal to those unfamiliar with his story, but feels hollow to those who admired the real man.
Red Bull back out of Colapinto deal
Exaggerated villainy and simplistic rivalries
The show leans heavily on the good versus evil trope, especially in its portrayal of Senna’s early struggles and rivalries. A young Ayrton is shown losing a go-kart race due to alleged interference by FISA president Jean-Marie Balestre, a dramatisation that sets the stage for a long-running narrative of institutional bias against Senna.
Later, his rivalry with Alain Prost is reduced to a simplistic conflict between a virtuous hero and a conniving villain.
This black and white approach does a disservice to both drivers. The relationship between Senna and Prost, while fiercely competitive, was also marked by moments of mutual respect and understanding.
By portraying Prost as a one-dimensional antagonist, the series robs their iconic rivalry of its complexity and nuance, alienating fans who appreciate the intricacies of F1’s rich history.
“SHOCKING” stewards decision criticised by F1 drivers
Setting the scene: A lack of authentic locations
One of the most glaring problems with *Senna* is its use of locations. Fans hoping to see accurate representations of iconic circuits such as Snetterton, Oulton Park or Brands Hatch – where Senna competed during his formative years in British motorsport – will be sorely disappointed.
Instead, the series relies heavily on CGI and digital recreations, with most of the racing scenes filmed in South America. The Monte Carlo start-finish straight, for example, was recreated at an airport in Uruguay.
These choices may have been made for budgetary reasons, but they detract from the authenticity of the series. The tracks, sets and atmosphere fail to capture the magic of the real-life venues, leaving knowledgeable viewers feeling disconnected. This lack of attention to detail is particularly frustrating in a series about a driver whose career was defined by iconic moments on legendary circuits.
Balancing nostalgia with modern production
To its credit, *Senna* does manage to capture some of the visual charm of the 1980s and early 1990s. The period costumes, hairstyles and race cars add a layer of nostalgia that fans of the era will appreciate. However, this attention to aesthetic detail is often overshadowed by the show’s over-reliance on CGI.
While digital effects are an essential tool in modern filmmaking, they cannot replicate the visceral intensity of real motorsport.
The sense of speed, danger and exhilaration that defined Senna’s career is largely absent. Instead, viewers are left with racing sequences that feel artificial, lacking the raw energy and authenticity that fans expect from a story about one of F1’s greatest drivers.
Insider reveals: Truth behind sudden F1 driver swap
Missed opportunities for emotional depth
Perhaps the most significant flaw of *Senna* is its failure to explore the deeper aspects of Ayrton Senna’s character. The series touches on his spirituality, his philanthropic work in Brazil and his relentless pursuit of perfection, but only in passing.
These elements, which were integral to Senna’s identity and legacy, are overshadowed by the show’s focus on dramatised conflicts and exaggerated rivalries.
Senna’s inner struggles – his battles with the politics of F1, his sense of responsibility to his country and his relentless pursuit of greatness – are barely touched upon. Instead, the series opts for surface-level storytelling, reducing one of the most complex figures in motorsport history to a collection of clichés.
“Reckless” Russell says Christian Horner
The challenge of portraying a legend
In many ways, *Senna* suffers under the weight of its own ambition. Ayrton Senna is not just a sporting icon, he is a cultural and spiritual figure whose influence extends far beyond the racetrack.
Capturing the essence of such a multifaceted individual is no easy task, and the series struggles to find the right balance between fact and fiction, drama and authenticity.
Part of the problem may lie in the decision to dramatise Senna’s story with actors, rather than relying on archive footage or documentary-style storytelling.
The 2010 documentary *Senna* remains the gold standard for exploring his life, offering a powerful and authentic portrayal that resonates deeply with fans. By comparison, the Netflix series feels like a missed opportunity.
Sergio Perez announces early retirement
Is it worth watching?
For casual viewers or those unfamiliar with Ayrton Senna’s story, the Netflix series may serve as an accessible introduction to his life and career. Its dramatised approach, while flawed, may resonate with an audience that values entertainment over accuracy.
For true F1 fans, however, *Senna* is likely to be a frustrating experience. Its historical inaccuracies, exaggerated characterisations and lack of emotional depth undermine its credibility and make it a poor substitute for more authentic portrayals of the racing legend.
Ultimately, *Senna* is a series that attempts to honour a legend but fails to capture his true essence. While it offers moments of drama and nostalgia, it fails to deliver the depth and authenticity that fans deserve. For those looking for a more genuine tribute to Ayrton Senna, the 2010 documentary remains the definitive choice.
READ MORE – Red Bull: McLaren & Ferrari are cheating
MORE F1 NEWS – Red Bull: McLaren & Ferrari are cheating
McLaren, Ferrari and the “Formula 1 police”: Red Bull’s accusations of rule-breaking in 2024 – Red Bull Racing’s technical director, Pierre Waché, has stirred up controversy in the Formula One world with pointed accusations against Ferrari, McLaren and other rivals.
According to Waché, these teams have not only pushed the boundaries of the sport’s regulations during the 2024 season, but in some cases have gone beyond them altogether. His claims come as Red Bull struggles to maintain the dominance it has enjoyed in recent years, raising questions about fairness, oversight and the evolving dynamics of Formula One…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
