The filming of the new series about Ayrton Senna required the creation of 22 realistic replicas and the actors had to go karts for it.
The new series Senna starts today on the popular streaming platform Netflix. It recounts the story of one of the most famous and successful Formula 1 drivers of all time. Brazilian Ayrton Senna raced in it from 1984 to 1994, before he tragically died in a fatal crash with a single-seater Williams at the Imola circuit in Italy. The news takes you through his career in six episodes.
Ayrton Senna became a three-time world champion during a ten-year career, and the latest venture documenting his life required the creation of 22 movie cars, including replicas of every car he raced in his lifetime. The British Formula 1600, his first ever single-seater Formula 1 Toleman TG184, the legendary McLaren MP4/4 or the Williams FW16, in which he crashed at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994, will thus appear in the series.
The creators of the series had completely customized replicas of racing single-seaters made for filming purposes. This means that not all of them drive like their real counterparts, but the engines, suspension and other components meet the requirements of the sequences for which the individual racers were filmed. And for an unforgettable audio experience, they were equipped with lapel microphones close to the engines and simultaneously recorded by track microphones.
Senna: Making the Cars
• Netflix
Before the official launch of the news, Netflix decided to publish a behind-the-scenes look, showing how the Senna series was filmed. In it, Matt Mella, who plays Senna’s rival Alain Prost, even reveals that the actors did two to three karting sessions a week to prepare for their roles. This taught them the mindset of racing drivers as well as important training for getting in and out of the tight cockpit of a single-seater to make it look realistic.
You can see how it looked during filming in the published video. The new series Senna will appear on Netflix today – the official release is scheduled for November 29, 2024.
## “Senna” Series Revs Up: Inside the Making of Netflix’s F1 Biopic
Netflix’s highly anticipated new series, “Senna,” is set to premiere on November 29th, 2024, offering an intimate look into the life and career of legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna. To accurately depict the Brazilian icon’s rise to fame and tragic downfall, the production team went above and beyond, crafting 22 replicas of the iconic cars he raced throughout his career. Today we dive deeper into the making of this immersive biopic with **David Jones**, a renowned F1 historian and author of multiple books on motorsport, and **Katherine Davies**, a veteran film production designer with extensive experience in recreating historical vehicles.
**The Need for Speed: Replicating Senna’s Racing Legacy**
“Senna” required a meticulous approach to detail, aiming to transport viewers directly into the exhilarating world of Formula 1 racing during its golden age. To achieve this level of authenticity, the series creators commissioned the construction of 22 painstakingly detailed replicas of Senna’s most iconic cars, ranging from his early days in Formula 1600 to his final races in the Williams FW16.
“These replicas weren’t simply aesthetic reproductions,” explains **katherine Davies**. “They needed to handle and respond like the real cars, at least within the context of the filming requirements.”
**David Jones** elaborates, “The filmmakers understood the importance of capturing the visceral experience of driving these machines. Every detail, from the engine sound to the tight confines of the cockpit, contributes to the overall immersion. It’s a testament to their dedication to accuracy.”
**Beyond the Wheel: Actors Immersed in the World of Racing**
“Senna” doesn’t just rely on stunning visuals; it delves into the psychological and physical demands of Formula 1 racing. The cast underwent rigorous training, including karting sessions, to better understand the mindset and physicality of drivers like Senna and his arch-rival alain Prost.
“Karting provided the actors with a firsthand understanding of the intense focus, precision, and reflexes required in Formula 1,” says **David Jones**. “It’s about more than just driving fast; it’s about anticipating every corner, every braking point, every rival’s move. This training was crucial in bringing authenticity to their performances.”
**The Impact and Legacy of “Senna”**
With its dedication to historical accuracy and immersive storytelling, “Senna” promises to be more than just a biopic. It’s an possibility to celebrate the legacy of an exceptional driver and shed light on the thrilling world of Formula 1 racing.
“I believe ‘senna’ will resonate with both long-time fans and those new to the sport,” predicts **Katherine Davies**. “The combination of stunning visuals, gripping storytelling, and authentic detail will create a truly memorable viewing experience.”
**Key Takeaways:**
* Netflix’s ”Senna” employs meticulous attention to detail, utilizing 22 meticulously crafted replicas of Senna’s iconic racing cars.
* The cast underwent intensive training, including karting sessions, to accurately portray the physical and mental demands of Formula 1 racing.
**Ready to Experience the Thrill?**
“Senna” premieres on Netflix on November 29th, 2024. Don’t miss your chance to witness the legend come to life.
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* The Evolution of Formula 1 Technology
* the Enduring Legacy of Ayrton senna
* Behind the Scenes of Formula 1 Filmmaking
