In partnership with the Senna family, the 8-episode miniseries based on the life of the Brazilian driver depicts the intimacy of the man who became a national hero and conquered the world
Netflix announced today the production of the first fictional drama about the idol Ayrton Senna da Silva (1960-1994). The project will give fans the chance to cross the finish line not with Senna, but with Beco or Becão, the driver’s affectionate nicknames among friends and family. More than just remembering remarkable moments in his career, the miniseries is an invitation to explore the personality and family relationships of the three-time Formula 1 champion. Senna has deeply embodied the willingness of Brazilian people to get ahead in life — and speeded up the hearts of young people, adults and children around the world.
The show, which portrays the man behind the national hero, is produced by Gullane for Netflix with active participation of the driver’s family. The miniseries will have international locations in addition to intimate sets such as the house where Senna grew up, in São Paulo state, and to which his relatives granted unprecedented access.
“It is very special to be able to announce that we will tell the story that only a few people know about him. The Senna family is committed in making this project something totally unique and unprecedented. And no one better than Netflix, that has a global reach, to be our partner,” celebrated Viviane Senna, Ayrton’s sister.
“Senna is the type of person we need. A young man that fought for his dream and faced many obstacles in order to represent a nation. Senna unites Brazil,” commented Fabiano and Caio Gullane.
The starting point will be Ayrton’s career debut, when he moves to England in order to compete on the F1600. His overcoming trajectory, mismatches, joy, sadness, everything will be there while the show portrays the man behind the myth. The story culminates in the tragic accident in Imola, Italy, during the Grand Prix of San Marino.
“Senna started his journey in São Paulo and conquered the world, we are honored to take his inspiring journey to all his fans, wherever they are. Ayrton Senna has a legacy that spans generations and boundaries and Netflix is proud to take this new look at the man behind the driver to subscribers in more than 190 countries,” said Maria Angela de Jesus, director of original international productions at Netflix in Brazil.
The eight episode miniseries, which will be shot in English and Brazilian Portuguese, is set to launch in 2022.
About Netflix
Netflix is the world’s leading streaming entertainment service with 193 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.
About Senna Brands
Senna Brands is a company created by the family of the three-time F1 world champion to manage and maximize the assets of the brands Ayrton Senna, Senna and Senninha which are inspired by the pilot’s legacy and achievements, his values, personality, his lifestyle. Part of the revenue obtained from the licensing of these brands is used to help the educational programs of Ayrton Senna Institute.
About Ayrton Senna
In the globally acclaimed and fastest sport in the world, Ayrton Senna is considered by F1 the fastest rider of all times. His expressive numbers help to explain why the driver gained status as a sport myth: three F1 world titles, 41 victories, 65 poles and 80 podiums between 1984 and 1994. Senna, however, is much more than just statistics and records: the Brazilian was responsible for some of the most magical moments in the main category of the motorsport worldwide. Ayrton established a new level of excellence in the sport and was an icon in the art of exceeding its own limits. His concern for a better Brazil, in addition to his well known determination on and off the track, made Senna different. His legacy inspired the creation of the Ayrton Senna Institute, which for 26 years has had the mission of developing people and preparing human beings for life in the 21st century in all its dimensions.
About Gullane
In 1996, brothers Caio Gullane and Fabiano Gullane founded Gullane, which now has more than 45 prominent films in Brazil and abroad, 30 TV series, numerous specials, and documentaries. Carandiru, Bicho de Sete Cabeças, O Ano em que Meus Pais Saíram de Férias; the franchise Até que a Sorte nos Separe; Q ue Horas ela Volta?, ComoNossosPais,B ingo,OReidasManhãs;theseriesAlice(HBO),UnidadeBásica (Universal), C arcereiros (TV Globo), Irmãos Freitas (Space and Amazon) and Nobody’s Looking (Netflix) are some of the work done by Gullane in the past years. The company has an active role in the growth of the Brazilian audiovisual industry, and combines its projects with the best talents and entertainment partners. Its capacity and commitment in all stages of production ensured important international co-productions and the exportation of her works to more than 60 countries, taking the identity of national cinema worldwide. Known for touching people and provoking reflections through its stories, Gullane has achieved more than 500 awards and nominations, as well as having its projects recognized in the official selection list of the most important festivals in the world such as the Oscar, Cannes, Berlin, Sundance, Toronto, Venice, and the Emmy Awards.