Alain Prost has strongly criticized the Netflix series Senna, a biographical drama about the eponymous Formula 1 legend. The six-part series tells the story of the Brazilian driver, who won three world titles for McLaren in 1988, 1990, and 1991. As one of Senna’s greatest rivals, Prost also features in the Netflix series, which has received mixed reactions from fans and critics since its release in November.
The rivalry between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost is one of the most iconic in the history of Formula 1. In the late 1980s, they fought numerous duels, both on and off the track. It was only when Prost retired from racing in 1993 that a close friendship developed. This is precisely why the 69-year-old Frenchman criticizes the Netflix series, which he believes does not always stick to the facts. According to Prost, the series is disrespectful to the legacy of Ayrton Senna and his surviving family members. The Brazilian driver died in 1994 following a crash during the San Marino Grand Prix.
‘I do not accept this’
“I am sure that Ayrton (Senna) would not like the series, not least because it lacks sensitivity,” Prost told the Italian RMC Motori. “It’s a great story, so it’s a shame to tell things that are not true. When you make something so commercial, it’s also not nice to do it in Senna’s name. I don’t like it and I don’t accept it.”
The Netflix series was filmed in collaboration with Ayrton Senna’s family. His sister Viviane previously commented that it’s very special to be able to tell her brother’s personal story. “The Senna family is committed to making this project something unique and unprecedented,” she said. However, critics were not particularly charmed by the drama series. The general consensus is that the superficial characters are more parodies of their existing counterparts, although the racing scenes are impressive at times.
Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost at a press conference in 1990 (Motorsport Images)
