Senna, Netflix's fictional miniseries, explores every aspect of the life of Brazilian Formula 1 legend, Ayrton Senna. Gabriel Leon dramatizes Ayrton Senna. For this role, the actor committed to great physical, technical, and emotional preparation: a meticulous approach to portraying a sports icon and a cultural hero whose story is cherished by millions of people around the world.
Leone's preparation started by immersing himself in Senna's career and personality. Through archival footage consumption, reading biographies, and interacting with F1 professionals, the actor set out to emulate life on and off the track.
In interviews, Leone thanked and pressured himself to deliver a performance worthy of a figure so loved in Brazil and worldwide. Here's how Leone made sure he would genuinely step into Senna's shoes.
Immersing in Ayrton Senna's world
Taking up an interpretation of Ayrton Senna becomes such a tremendous honor and responsibility. In recent interviews, Leone has called this role his most paramount career, one that would include admiration for Senna as a global sports icon and, beyond all that, as a national hero. To capture the nature of the legendary driver, Leone delved deeply into the story of Senna's life - his racing career, and his journey.
Essentially, he prepared the learning processes for Senna's races, speeches, interviews, and the emotional blanket of his characterization of racing, relating a driving philosophy to that universal viewpoint. He was focused on delivering a meaningful performance for both the Formula 1 audience and the wider general audience.
Physical and technical training
Playing a Formula 1 driver required more than acting skills; it demanded physical fitness and technical knowledge. According to reports, Leone rigorously trained his body for the role to be a replica of an elite athlete like Senna. He also devoted himself to learning the mechanisms of F1 racing, like the techniques used by the drivers during Senna's time.
Backstage pictures and clips showing Leone in actual McLaren race attire and gear that transformed fans. The said shooting incorporated significant scenes of Senna's life, including the first run for the Formula 1 racing arena and winning titles.
According to sources, Leone would even work out with the producers to perfect the acting portrayal while staying strictly accurate for historical aspects and presenting drama-filled stories about Senna's life.
Preparation of playing in Senna shows careful efforts to be a proper homage to Ayrton Senna. It encompasses recreating his body conditioning to studying his personality and career for a responsible character to represent an international and national icon. The six-episode series releasing in 2024 has fans excited about a new take on one of Formula 1's biggest legends and how the movie brings that to the big screen through Leone's character.