Alain Prost Criticizes Netflix’s ‘Senna’ Series for Inaccuracy and Lack of Sensitivity
Alain Prost, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, has delivered a strong critique of Netflix’s production based on the life of his great rival, Ayrton Senna, expressing his disapproval and claiming he “does not accept” the series. Released in November of the previous year to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Senna’s tragic passing, the six-part show explores the Brazilian’s rise to prominence, his three world championships, and his untimely death during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
While the series, which stars Gabriel Leone as Senna, was produced in collaboration with the late racer’s family, including his sister Viviane, Prost voiced significant concerns about its accuracy. In an interview with French radio station RMC, the Frenchman expressed that the series was not an authentic representation of Senna’s life and legacy.
“I’m sure Ayrton wouldn’t like it, especially because it shows a lack of sensitivity,” Prost said. “It’s a great story, but you shouldn’t tell things that aren’t true out of thin air. If you have to do something commercial, it’s not right to do it in the name of Senna.”
Prost’s objections stem from what he perceives as a distortion of Senna’s character, insisting that such portrayals of his late rival misrepresent the story. His candid words echo the deeper complexities of their relationship, one that transcended rivalry and reached a point of mutual respect later in their careers.
Senna’s Sister Defends the Production
Despite Prost’s harsh criticisms, the Netflix series received backing from Senna’s family, who were actively involved in its creation. Viviane Senna, the Brazilian’s sister, vowed that the show would offer something “totally
“Ayrton’s personality remains an inspiration even today. He represents not just the idea of victory, but a victory grounded in values,” Viviane remarked during the premiere in November. Her comments were an effort to ensure that Senna’s character was presented with authenticity, remaining true to the ideals that he stood for during his remarkable career.
The Prost-Senna Rivalry: A Defining F1 Story
The Prost-Senna rivalry remains one of the most talked-about narratives in Formula 1 history. The two drivers, often seen as polar opposites, clashed on and off the track throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, culminating in intense moments like the 1989 Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, where their on-track collision decided the championship. Senna’s controversial victory that year—where he was disqualified for re-entering the track illegally after crashing—was just one of many explosive encounters between the pair.
The rivalry reached a dramatic peak in 1990 when Senna deliberately collided with Prost in Suzuka to ensure his own victory, a bold move that earned the Brazilian his second world title. Despite these fiery moments, the relationship between the two drivers softened after their careers diverged, with Prost retiring in 1991 and Senna continuing to dominate the sport before his untimely death in 1994.
Prost’s Previous Criticism of ‘Senna’ Documentary
Prost’s objections to portrayals of his relationship with Senna are not new. In 2010, he criticized the acclaimed documentary *Senna*, directed by Asif Kapadia, calling it “fake.” The documentary, which won numerous accolades, including awards at Sundance and BAFTA, focused on Senna’s career and his personal struggles but was criticized by Prost for what he considered an inaccurate depiction of their interactions.
“I resent the film that was done,” Prost remarked at the time. “They could have really told a fabulous story, because there was what happened when we were racing and [what happened] after [I retired]. The film claims his last message [of] ‘I miss you Alain’ was fake. Well, I think the film was fake.”
Prost’s dissatisfaction with the portrayal of his complex relationship with Senna continued into the Netflix series, with his feelings about the handling of his character being clear. He felt that both the documentary and the series oversimplified their dynamic, which he believed should have been recognized not just as a sporting rivalry, but as a deeply human story as well.
A Legacy That Lives On
Despite the controversy surrounding the Netflix series and the differing viewpoints of Prost and Senna’s family, both men’s legacies remain firmly entrenched in the annals of motorsport history. Prost’s continued opposition to the portrayal of his relationship with Senna highlights the difficulty of accurately capturing the essence of a rivalry as fierce and transformative as theirs.
The world of Formula 1, and indeed motorsport as a whole, continues to revere Ayrton Senna as one of its greatest drivers, while Alain Prost’s place in that history is equally significant. Their shared history remains an unforgettable part of the sport, but how that story is told will always be a matter of perspective.
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