Senna, the true story behind the new Netflix series

All Formula 1 fans know the name of Ayrton Senna. The Brazilian driver is a motor racing legend, who became world champion three times and died tragically at the age of 34 during a race. Now Ayrton’s life is told in a Netflix drama miniseries, released on November 29 and simply titled Senna.

The six-part series – with Gabriel Leone in the title role – traces the ups and downs of his life, including his beginnings in karting, his rivalry with his McLaren teammate Alain Prost and his tragic death at the San Marino Grand Prix.

But what is the true story of Ayrton Senna? Here’s what you need to know.

Who was Ayrton Senna?

Ayrton Senna was a Formula 1 driver, born on March 21, 1960 from a wealthy Brazilian family. Senna’s first experience with racing cars dates back to when he was just four years old and his father built him a car from an old lawnmower. Growing up watching Formula 1, he got his first proper kart at 10, before winning his first kart race at 13.

In 1981 he moved briefly to England, where he began racing in Formula Ford 1600, before returning to Brazil to work in the family business at the end of the season. He then returned to England, racing in Formula Ford 2000, before moving up to Formula 3 and winning the championship. In 1984 he became a Formula 1 driverracing for Toleman. During his first season he finished second at the Monaco Grand Prix. In 1985 he moved to Lotus, winning two Grands Prix and finishing fourth in the championship. 1988 was McLaren’s moment: the same year in which it won its first championship.

However, things did not always go smoothly: Senna experienced a long history of differences with his teammate Alain Prostfinishing second to Driver in the 1989 championship. Their rivalry was so intense that Prost moved to Ferrari the following year and the two remained in competition for the next four years. Senna then won the 1990 and 1991 championships, becoming three-time world champion.

After Prost’s retirement, Senna moved to the Williams team in 1994 and later in the same year, he died in an accident at the San Marino Grand Prixat just 34 years old.

Was he married?

In 1981 Senna married his childhood friend Lilian de Vasconcelos Souzabut the couple divorced shortly after.

Senna later had a series of important relationships, including one with the Brazilian television presenter Xuxa. At the time of his death, Senna was in a relationship with Adriane Galisteu.

What happened to Ayrton Senna?

On the weekend of May 1, 1994, the San Marino Grand Prix took place in Imola, Italy. During qualifying, the Austrian driver Roland Ratzenberger he lost his life following the breaking of the front wing of his car, which became stuck under the vehicle, causing a fatal crash.

Following Ratzenberger’s death, Senna decided not to participate in qualifying again until convince himself to withdraw from the race. However, in the end he refused and uttered his now “famous” phrase: “I can’t give up, I have to keep going.”

The next day, May 1st, Ayrton Senna met his former rival Alain Prost, now became a television commentator. The two discussed the idea of bring back the Grand Prix Drivers’ Associationwith the aim of improving safety in motorsport. Senna offered to take the lead, actively working for the well-being of the drivers.

The race began and, after seven laps, Ayrton Senna lost his life after going off the track and hitting the concrete wall at the Tamburello curve.

Following his death, the Brazilian government declared three days of national mourning and organized a state funeral. Numerous drivers participated in the ceremony, including Alain Prost, who escorted the coffin as a sign of homage and respect for the deceased champion.

WATCH NOW

Article translated by external collaborators, for info and collaborations contact to the editorial staff