If You No Longer Go For a Gap, You Are No Longer a Racing Driver

I always find the build up to sporting events rather tiresome. Sepia images of footballers in painfully slow motion accompanied by opera, cuts to wild animals, or whatever is appropriate to the countries involved. I am a big fan of Formula 1 and although the coverage often employs the same overblown montages, it is quite unnecessary when you consider the drama which is displayed in the sport itself. From the uneasy relationships of the two drivers of each team vying for the coveted number one driver spot as well as maintaining the facade of teamwork, to the spy scandals and pursuit of absolute glory that underpins every driver. F1 contains betrayal, spies, unbeatable relationships, strategy, gutsy moves, speed (obviously), undeniable skill, heartbreak and of course heroes. Unsurprising, then is the brilliance of the film Senna, a documentary on the career of the person many people consider to be the greatest ever racing driver, Ayrton Senna.








The film follows the politics of Formula 1, an aspect that Senna found tiresome but found himself constantly surrounded by. It tracks his passion and ambition through the uneasy (to say the least) relationship with team mate and rival Alain Prost, with championship after championship coming down to the wire and ending in dramatic fashion crowning one or other of the exceptional drivers number one in the world. We follow controversial moves, questionable FIA presidents, energy sapping victories and witness terrifying accidents. Some of the most interesting parts of the film are when we see Senna fighting for safety measures in the sport and we chillingly witness him watching in horror the crashes of fellow drivers, sustaining serious injuries and in the case of Ratzenberger, death. Ayrton talks about his fears of the dangers of the sport, the length of his life, his hopes and aspirations for the future. It was a sport he would never leave voluntarily, and it is impossible to watch this film without a forboding feeling of what will happen at the end. However, Senna leaves you feeling inspired and uplifted by what Ayrton achieved for his sport, his country and his passion. He defines the term 'pushing the boundaries' and the part of the film that sums him up as a hero is when he claims his victory of the Brazilian Grand Prix. He thunders round his home circuit stuck in sixth gear and promptly passes out having achieved one of the great aims of his life, even summoning the energy to spray the champaign and lift the trophy in utter agony.





It is amazing to see the twists and turns of Monaco on the big screen and see some incredible unseen footage in this film. I have watched Formula 1 since I was a child and just about remember Senna from his time, have heard his name so many times since and now have had the chance to see the whole story in its cinematic glory. I urge everyone to see this film.