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'Senna' producers choose actor who will portray F1 legend

Brazilian actor Gabriel Leone will portray F1 legend Ayrton Senna in the six-part Netflix miniseries currently in development and based on the life of the late three-time F1 champion.

Described as Netflix’s “most ambitious series ever in Latin America,” the biopic devoted to the life of the great Ayrton Senna which was confirmed last summer has now entered pre-production and is expected to be released in 2024.

The miniseries, which will be filmed in both Portuguese and English, will explore Sennas' personality and family relationships, according to Netflix.

The starting point will be Ayrton’s career debut in England and will culminate in the tragic accident and the Brazilian driver's death at the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola on May 1, 1994.

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On Tuesday, Netflix Brazil revealed the identity of the first cast member for the series, 29-year-old Gabriel Leone who is well-known throughout Latin America.

"It is a huge responsibility and also a great honor to be able to represent an icon who inspired so many people throughout his life, showing the world Brazilian sporting talent," said Leone.

"Knowing that we will bring this story to millions of people in so many countries, through Netflix, inspires me to see this as one of the great roles of my career."

"Gabriel Leone has Senna's charisma, intensity, and gentleness," said the miniseries' director, Vicente Amorim, who received the go-ahead for the project from the Senna family.

"He has the ability to faithfully portray Ayrton's unique personality, especially the Ayrton that we as a family knew, off the track," added Viviane Senna, Ayrton’s sister.

Initially, the Senna series was set to consist of a total of eight episodes but has since been reduced to six. Each episode will have an approximate runtime of 60 minutes.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.