The VPRO broadcasts the documentary "Senna" on 22 June at 22.00 on Nederland 3. It is a special portrait of the legendary and regretted Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna. The award-winning film zooms in on, among other things, the debut of the triple world champion. The vein between Senna and Alain Prost is also discussed extensively. Furthermore, the viewer will be taken into the fight conducted by the driver who died in 1994 against the political games in sport. The documentary is directed by Asif Kapaduia, who later also directed the Oscar winner Amy.
Senna has become a true classic, telling the story of Senna's career. The driver, who died much too soon, had an impressive career, which he started in a kart at the age of four. After quickly making a name for himself in the smaller classes, he became British and European Formula 1983 champion in 3. In 1 he was definitely part of the top class of motorsport. He started at Toleman and made his Formula 1984 debut in home country Brazil, without finishing the race. Senna, who started on pole position no less than 1 times during his career, more than made up for that.
First victory in 1985
The Brazilian won his first Grand Prix in 1985 in Portugal. He rode the Lotus T97 and played for John Player Special, for which he drove for three years. In 1988 he made the move to Mc Laren Honda. There, Senna finally developed into the greats of the earth, because in 1988, 1990 and 1991, the Brazilian claimed the world title. During that period, Senna also became acquainted with other trends within the sport, and this was expressed in an increasingly fierce feud with Alain Prost, the French legend who was also teammate of Senna in 1988 and 1989. Both outside and on the circuit the two crashed together several times.
Fatal day
Senna drove for McLaren until 1993. For 1994 he signed with Williams Renault. The season started hesitantly. He retired during the first two races of the season. The third race of the season was the San Marino Grand Prix, which took place on May 1, 1994 at the Imola circuit. There, a crash turned fatal to the Brazilian driver, to the chagrin of many. It was interesting that Senna carried the Austrian flag on that day as a tribute to Roland Ratzenberger, who died on the same circuit the day before Senna's death. The death of two drivers in one weekend meant that the safety measures in Formula 1 were drastically tightened. For Senna, herself a security advocate, the measures came too late.
Great impact on fans
Senna's death had a profound impact on his fans and fellow drivers. Homeland Brazil was in shock. The then president Itamar Franco announced three days of national mourning after hearing of the doom tides. All state schools in Brazil were also given a day off.
34 years young, impressive record
Ayrton Senna won 1 competitions during his Formula 41 career, reaching 80 times. He recorded his last victory in 1993 during the Australian Grand Prix. The racing legend only became 34 years young.
All images are made available by the VPRO.
