Netflix is facing a new lawsuit over its Formula 1 miniseries Senna, which dramatizes the life and career of Brazilian racing legend Ayrton Senna. The six-episode series, released globally in late 2024, follows Senna’s rise through Formula 1, his rivalry with Alain Prost, and his tragic death at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. Though praised for its realism and scale, the series has also drawn criticism from fans and former drivers who argue it distorts the Senna-Prost rivalry, portraying Prost as a villain, rather than a respected competitor.[1] Now, the series is caught in a copyright dispute that may reshape how streaming platforms approach creative ownership.[2]
Independent filmmaker Lauren Wild filed suit in California federal court, alleging that Netflix and Brazilian production company Gullane Entretenimento copied elements from his earlier project, Built for Speed: Senna.[3] Wild claims he developed the concept years ago, shared it under confidentiality with major studios including Sony Pictures and Warner Bros, and that Netflix ultimately had access to those materials through its production partners.[4] The complaint accuses Netflix of copyright infringement, breach of implied contract, and unjust enrichment, asserting that the company “failed to exercise due diligence” before green-lighting the $170 million production.[5]
At the heart of the case is whether Wild can prove substantial similarity between his registered treatment and Netflix’s final product. Under U.S. copyright law, creators must show that the allegedly copied work shares protectable expressive elements, such as structure, sequence, and specific scenes, not merely general ideas or historical facts.[6] The lawsuit also raises issues of “implied contract,” a theory recognized under California law when someone pitches an idea with the expectation of compensation if it’s later used.[7]
If the claim moves forward, Netflix could face costly discovery into its production process and internal communications. The streamer has not publicly commented on the lawsuit, and no resolution has yet been reported.[8]
For independent creators, the dispute is a reminder to register scripts and treatments, use written non-disclosure agreements, and keep records of all submissions. For studios and streaming platforms, it underscores the importance of robust rights vetting and documentation before development begins. Whether the case ends in dismissal or settlement, Senna shows that in today’s entertainment landscape, even global productions can find themselves stuck on the legal starting grid.
[1] The Guardian, “F1 Fans Debate Senna-Prost Rivalry After Netflix Dramatization” (Nov. 2024).
[2] Law360, “Netflix Faces Copyright Suit Over Formula 1 Senna Series” (Oct. 2024).
[3] USA Herald, “Netflix’s Formula 1 Senna Series Sparks Lawsuit Over Alleged Idea Theft.”
[4] iNews Bangla, “Why Netflix’s Senna F1 Miniseries Faces Copyright Lawsuit.”
[5] Sportskeeda, “Netflix’s Ayrton Senna F1 Series Faces Copyright Lawsuit from Independent Filmmaker.”
[6] 17 U.S.C. § 102; Sid & Marty Krofft Television Prods. v. McDonald’s Corp., 562 F.2d 1157 (9th Cir. 1977).
[7] Desny v. Wilder, 46 Cal. 2d 715 (1956).
[8] Law360, supra note 2.
Law student at the University at Buffalo.
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