Thirty years ago, on May 1st, 1994, at 34 years of age, three times F1 World Drivers Champion Ayrton Senna passed away following an F1 accident at Imola, Italy, during the San Marino Grand Prix. As a racing fan, it’s one of those occasions that if you don’t remember the date, you do remember where you were.
I was competing in my second Targa Tasmania Rally and surrounded by many like-minded people, some of whom were watching the race on television. So, it’s one of those occasions that’s etched in my mind forever.
Considered by many to have been the fastest driver of all time and certainly an iconic racing legend, Senna won three F1 world titles, 41 victories, 65 pole positions and 80 podiums between 1984 and 1994 and was responsible for some amazing moments in world motorsport as this 2010 ‘Ayrton Senna’ documentary shows.
Senna Official Trailer #1 – Ayrton Senna Movie (2010)
Ayrton Senna was as close to a god in Brazil as any man not named Pelé could be. He established a new level of excellence in motor racing and was a legend in the art of surpassing his own limits. Senna’s passion for a better Brazil, in addition to his deep-rooted drive and determination both on and off the track, set him apart. His legacy inspired the founding of the Ayrton Senna Institute. For 28 years, its mission has been to develop well-rounded individuals, preparing them for all aspects of life in the 21st century.
Strangely enough, apart from the 2010 documentary, Ayrton Sennas life has never been depicted on screen, until later this year when a six-part fictional Netflix series will look at his journey through triumph, disappointment, joy and sorrow, unveiling his personality and personal relationships. The series starts with the genesis of the three-time Formula 1 champion’s motor racing career, when he moves to England to compete in Formula Ford, through until his tragic accident in Imola, Italy.
I’m certainly looking forward to seeing the series, which by all report is good, with Gabriel Leone playing Senna; Pâmela Tomé plays model/television presenter and girlfriend XUXA; Matt Mella plays Alain Prost while Patrick Kennedy is team manager Ron Dennis.
Here is a sample of what can be expected when ‘Senna’ the series airs later this year on Netflix.