Senna (2024)
Senna brings Ayrton Senna's legendary journey to life with thrilling races and stunning visuals but skips key moments and depth.
Apart from films & gaming, there are 2 more things that we, The Smash Hit Chronicles team, have in common - our love for Pokémon and Formula 1.
When I finally sat down to watch Senna, I was very interested in seeing this legendary driver’s story again but not in the usual documentary format. Ayrton Senna’s legacy in Formula One is one to remember and for the non-F1 fans out there, I think this six-episode series did a pretty nice job to share that. Even though some bits were sugarcoated.
Right off the bat, the show impressed me with its stunning visuals and attention to detail, bringing the world of racing alive in a way I’ve come to love. The racing scenes are easily the best part of the series. From the close-up shots of cars speeding through corners to the realistic weather effects and sparks flying on the track, it felt like I was right there in the driver’s seat. Iconic moments, like Senna’s breathtaking charge at Monaco in 1984 and his emotional home win in Brazil in 1991, were recreated beautifully. The mix of dramatized footage and real race clips made it all feel authentic and thrilling. I’ve got to say, even if you’re not into Formula 1, these scenes are enough to make you sit up and pay attention.
Gabriel Leone, who plays Ayrton Senna, does a fantastic job capturing his drive and passion. You can see the determination in his eyes. But the supporting characters? They felt a little flat. Whether it was his family, his rivals or even the fictional journalist Laura, they didn’t have the depth I was hoping for. It felt like they were just there to help push Senna’s story along, which was a bit of a missed opportunity.
That said, the series does have its flaws. While it’s visually stunning, it skips over some key moments in Senna’s life and career. Important seasons like 1992 and 1993 barely get a mention. The rivalry with Alain Prost is exciting to watch but it leans a little too heavily into the hero-villain dynamic. Senna is portrayed as almost perfect and I wish the series had explored the more complex sides of his personality.
Smash Hit Score: 7.6/10
Senna is a great watch for Formula 1 fans and anyone curious about the life of this legendary racer. It’s visually impressive, the races are thrilling and it’s clear the creators poured a lot of love into this project. But as much as I enjoyed it, I couldn’t help but feel that the series left a few things on the table.
