Nelson Piquet

Nelson Piquet Souto Maior, born on August 17, 1952, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a celebrated former racing driver and entrepreneur, renowned for clinching the World Drivers' Championship three times in 1981, 1983, and 1987.

Initially gravitating towards tennis, Piquet's passion shifted to motorsport, leading him to karting, which he pursued secretly to avoid his father's disapproval. His talent shone through as he secured the Brazilian national karting title in 1971-72, followed by a Formula Vee championship win in 1976. With guidance from legendary racer Emerson Fittipaldi, he ventured to Europe, where he set a record for wins in Formula Three in 1978, surpassing Jackie Stewart's previous record.

Piquet made his Formula One debut with the Ensign team in 1978, later racing for McLaren and Brabham. His breakthrough came in 1981 with his first championship title. Despite facing challenges in 1982 due to engine issues, he rebounded to win again in 1983. After brief stints with Williams and Lotus, he achieved his third championship in 1987, amid fierce competition with teammate Nigel Mansell, which strained their relationship.

Post-retirement from Formula One, Piquet dabbled in the Indianapolis 500 and sports car racing. Now retired, he manages various business ventures in Brazil and oversees the careers of his sons, Nelson Piquet Jr. and Pedro Piquet, both of whom are professional racers. Piquet's legacy in motorsport remains influential and significant.