Nelson Piquet

Nelson Piquet Biography

Nelson Piquet Souto Maior is a Brazilian former racing driver and businessman famous for competing in Formula One from 1978 to 1991. He is best known for winning three Formula One World Drivers' Championships in 1981, 1983, and 1987, and for securing 23 Grand Prix victories during his 14 seasons in the sport. Piquet's career was marked by fierce rivalries and remarkable comebacks, establishing him as one of the most accomplished and influential drivers in Formula One history.

Childhood

Nelson Piquet was born on August 17, 1952, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, then the country's capital. He was the youngest of four children in the family of Estácio Gonçalves Souto Maior, a prominent Brazilian physician who later served as Minister of Health in the government. His father initially encouraged Nelson to pursue tennis, and he was sent on a scholarship to a school in the United States to develop his skills. However, Piquet eventually turned to motor racing, initially keeping his racing ambitions hidden from his parents by using his mother's maiden name.

Education

Piquet enrolled in an engineering course at university but dropped out after two years in 1974 to focus on his racing career. Without financial support from his family, he worked in a garage to fund his ambitions. His technical knowledge from engineering studies likely aided his understanding of race car mechanics, contributing to his development as a driver who was highly skilled at vehicle setup and strategy.

Career

Nelson Piquet began his racing career in karting, becoming the Brazilian national karting champion in 1971 and 1972. He progressed to Formula Vee Brazil, winning the championship in 1976. Advised by Emerson Fittipaldi, the first Brazilian F1 world champion, Piquet moved to Europe, where in 1978 he broke Jackie Stewart's record for most wins in a British Formula 3 season. He made his Formula One debut in 1978 with the Ensign team, briefly raced for McLaren, and then joined Brabham in 1979. Piquet quickly rose through the ranks, finishing runner-up in 1980 before winning his first world title in 1981. Despite challenges with engine reliability in 1982, he won again in 1983. He later raced for Williams, capturing his third championship in 1987 amid a tense rivalry with teammate Nigel Mansell. His later years saw less success with Lotus and Benetton before retiring in 1991 at age 40.

Family Life

Nelson Piquet has been married multiple times. He married Maria Clara in 1977 but divorced a year later. His second marriage was to Sylvia Tamsma in 1978, with whom he had children, including Nelson Piquet Jr., also a professional racing driver. They separated in 1993. In 1998, he married Viviane de Souza Leão. Overall, Piquet has six children, some of whom followed his footsteps into motorsport. His family life has been closely intertwined with racing heritage and business pursuits outside of Formula One.

Achievements

Nelson Piquet's most notable achievements include winning three Formula One World Driver's Championships (1981, 1983, 1987), becoming one of only a handful of drivers to claim multiple titles in that era. He dominated in various competitive teams, especially Brabham and Williams, and accumulated 23 Grand Prix wins, 24 pole positions, and 23 fastest laps. Piquet broke records in junior categories and set longevity marks in top-tier racing. His technical insight and adaptability across different regulations and cars were key factors in his success. Post-retirement, he has engaged in business ventures and remains a revered figure in motorsport history.

Controversies

Throughout and following his career, Nelson Piquet has been involved in several controversies, including intense rivalries that sometimes extended beyond the racetrack, notably with teammate Nigel Mansell. Some of his public remarks have sparked criticism and debates within racing communities and the media. While respected for his driving prowess, Piquet's career also featured moments of friction with competitors and officials, characteristic of the high-stakes nature of Formula One during his era.

Nelson Piquet Summary

Nelson Piquet stands as one of Brazil's most legendary Formula One drivers, celebrated for his three world championships and a dynamic career that spanned over a decade. Born into a privileged family and initially groomed for tennis, Piquet bravely pursued his passion for racing against early family disapproval. His technical skill, competitive spirit, and strategic acumen enabled him to succeed at the highest level of motorsport. Beyond his racing accolades, his family legacy continues through his children and his ongoing contributions to the sport and business. His story is a testament to talent, resilience, and the complex nature of elite competition.