Ayrton Senna was a god behind the wheel, adored by millions—and gone too soon.
This doc is like “Rocky” meets “Formula 1: Drive to Survive”
“Senna” is the best F1 documentary I’ve seen. It’ll also likely be in the top 3 “Best Racing Documentaries” when I finish that list/article.
Trailer for “Senna”
Watch “Senna”
You can watch Senna by clicking the video embed above or on Netflix at https://www.netflix.com/title/70170051.
But it’s not a Netflix Original, so you might want to check out https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/senna for the latest streaming options.
Ratings:
- My Rating: 99/100
- IMDB Rating: 8.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 95/100 (Users); 93/100 (Critics)
Release date: June 17, 2011
My Review of “Senna” (the documentary)
“Senna” takes you inside the high-octane life of Ayrton Senna, one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers and a man as enigmatic as he was brilliant.
The film, directed by Asif Kapadia (who later directed “Amy” (which I rank 95/100!) and “Diego Maradona” (93/100)), is a gripping blend of triumph, tragedy, and raw charisma.
It’s constructed entirely from archival footage—no talking-head interviews—making every moment feel immediate.
We follow Senna’s meteoric rise from a Brazilian go-karting phenom to a three-time Formula 1 World Champion.
“Senna” is an intimate portrait of a man who defied odds and challenged systems, even as his life spiraled toward a devastating end at 34.
You Can’t Make This Sh*t Up
- In the 1988 Monaco Grand Prix, Senna was so dominant that he led by nearly a minute, but he crashed out of the race when he lost focus—because he was too far ahead. Instead of returning to the pit, he walked straight home to process the defeat.
- During the 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix, Senna drove the final laps stuck in sixth gear after a gearbox failure. Despite the grueling challenge, he still managed to win, collapsing from exhaustion in his car after crossing the finish line.
- Senna once insisted on racing in torrential rain, when others wanted to quit, and dominated so completely he lapped nearly the entire field.
The doc shines in capturing Senna’s rivalry with Alain Prost. Prost, the calculating Frenchman, played foil to Senna’s fiery passion. Their clashes—on and off the track—were legendary.
The film delves into the politics of Formula 1, especially Senna’s battles with FIA President Jean-Marie Balestre, whose favoritism toward Prost added gasoline to their rivalry.
Senna’s spiritual side provides a surprising emotional thread. Deeply religious, he believed his talent was a divine gift.
This faith seemed to guide him as he navigated the danger of the sport, including the haunting 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, where Senna’s fatal crash changed Formula 1 forever.
Lesser-Known Nuggets
- The film’s dramatic climax builds around Senna’s reaction to the death of Austrian driver Roland Ratzenberger the day before his own crash—a moment many believe shook him deeply.
- You see rare footage of Senna as a family man, especially his bond with his sister Viviane and his charitable work in Brazil.
- One powerful scene shows Senna refusing to race after a controversial rule change, showcasing his principles.
- Kapadia’s meticulous editing blends commentary from fellow racers and journalists into the visuals, making the audience feel like they’re in the pit lane.
- Senna’s love life, including his high-profile relationship with Brazilian TV host Xuxa, adds a tender, humanizing touch.
Wrap Up
“Senna” isn’t just for racing fans. It’s a deeply human story of talent, ambition, and fragility. By the end, you feel both the thrill of his career and the weight of his loss.
You’ll walk away awed by his genius and reminded of the costs of living life at full throttle.
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc