January 26, 2025 – United States of America
The Netflix docu-drama series Senna, a six-episode portrayal of the life and career of legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, has left fans divided. With high expectations fueled by Senna’s near-mythical status in motorsport and a substantial $170 million budget, the series has sparked a mix of admiration and frustration among viewers.
Praise for the Production
Many fans have applauded the series’ ability to capture the essence of Senna’s brilliance and determination. The race scenes, described as “adrenaline-pumping” and “intimate,” earned particular praise. A reviewer on IMDb noted, “The cinematography and race sequences made you feel like you were right there, experiencing the thrill of F1.” Others commended the high production values, strong acting performances, and the portrayal of key moments like Senna’s iconic 1984 Monaco GP drive.
Brazilian fans were particularly touched by the series’ tribute to a national hero. Leandro Freitas, recalling the excitement of living through the Senna era, described the show as “absolutely amazing,” adding, “The director managed to re-create some of the excitement we all Brazilians felt during those unforgettable years.”
Criticism of Historical Inaccuracies and Bias
However, the series has also drawn criticism for historical inaccuracies and perceived bias. Fans of F1’s rich history expressed frustration with scenes depicting fictionalized or exaggerated events, such as British fans portrayed as aggressive hooligans and fabricated rivalries between Senna and his contemporaries like Martin Brundle and Alain Prost. “The depiction of British racing fans was insulting and far from reality,” wrote one reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critics also pointed out the omission of important context, particularly Brazil’s political and economic challenges during Senna’s rise. Some felt this glossing-over detracted from the depth of the story. Blake Davies remarked, “Netflix seemed scared to delve into the politics, which are vital to understanding Senna’s story.”
Mixed Reactions to Character Portrayals
The portrayal of Senna’s personality and relationships also divided fans. While some appreciated the dramatization of Senna’s humanity and struggles, others found it exaggerated. The inclusion of intimate scenes, deemed unnecessary by some viewers, sparked debate about whether the series was family-friendly.
Fans of rival drivers, particularly Prost, also felt the show was overly biased toward Senna, portraying his competitors in an unflattering light. “This felt like a simplistic angel-versus-villain story,” wrote Nikos Mansolas, who called Prost “the best driver of all time and a role model.”
A Missed Opportunity?
For many fans, the greatest disappointment was the series’ failure to live up to its potential. Viewers lamented rushed storytelling and a lack of exploration of key moments in Senna’s career, such as his Donington Park masterpiece in 1993. “This should have been at least eight episodes,” said Iskandar Zulkarnain. “They left out too much.”
Despite the criticism, the series succeeded in reigniting global interest in Senna’s legacy. For new fans, the series provided an introduction to one of motorsport’s most iconic figures. For longtime followers, it offered moments of nostalgia, even if it left some feeling that the full depth of Senna’s story had yet to be told.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Ayrton Senna remains a figure of unparalleled fascination and admiration in the world of motorsport, and his story continues to resonate nearly three decades after his untimely death.
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