"Legend" — a new documentary about Senna.

      On the evening of August 20, the documentary film La Leggenda ("The Legend"), directed by British filmmaker Francis Megahy, who knew Ayrton Senna well, premiered on the Italian channel Sky Documentaries; it is devoted to the private life of the three-time world champion.

      The great Brazilian, who had 65 poles and 41 wins to his name, was, off the racetracks, a special person — very interesting and intelligent. But the film is not about his sporting achievements — it tells precisely those sides of his personality that were known only to his closest friends and his family.

      It is an interview film with a driver who was already at the height of his fame, and yet had a somewhat ambiguous reputation.

      "Senna was not like other drivers; he gave the impression of being arrogant, but in fact he was focused on achieving his goals," the director explains. "He always, in every situation, strove to achieve the maximum."

      The film includes documentary material that has never before been shown anywhere; a significant part was filmed at his villa in São Paulo, where he spent his time away from racing. For example, the film features Senna saying: "When I'm on holiday I adopt a different style, not like when I'm racing. I have a different psychological mindset, because I try to achieve inner peace and physical balance."

      Particular attention is paid to Senna's love for his native Brazil. Together with the filmmakers, the viewer visits his estate, where he grew corn, rice and citrus fruits, as well as the karting track in São Paulo where the future world champion won his first race in 1973. In various episodes of the film Senna flies his helicopter, rides a motorcycle and his personal car, which is not a supercar but a practical, spacious Mercedes estate.

      Not everyone knows that Ayrton Senna was into model aviation, and with Bruno, his nephew, he liked to fly radio-controlled model airplanes.

      Speaking about the essence of his profession, Senna says: "The challenge is to drive fast and win as many races as possible. When I push the limits of what is possible, I discover something new in myself. Every time I strive to surpass myself... And I am fully aware of how dangerous this activity is."

      After its premiere on Sky Documentaries, the film "La Leggenda" became available on some streaming platforms as well.