Nelson Piquet is a Brazilian retired racing driver and businessman. Since his retirement, Piquet, a three-time World Champion, has been ranked among the greatest Formula One (F1) drivers in various motorsport polls.
In 1974, two years into his engineering degree, Piquet dropped out of university. Having little financial assistance from his family, he took a job at a garage to help pay for school and pursue his dreams.
Once he and three friends returned to Brazil, Piquet competed in Brazilian go-karts (1971 and 1972 national champions) and the local Formula Super Vee 1976 championship under Emerson Fittipaldi, the first Brazilian Formula One world champion who sold the chassis for the Brazilian Formula Vee champion car with his brother, and was hailed as a prodigy when he arrived in European motorsports.
It was in 1978 that he eclipsed Jackie Stewart’s record for the most wins in a season in British Formula 3 racing. F1 debut for Ensign, Piquet started 21st and was forced to retire on lap 31 due to engine failure.
After the race, Piquet competed in three further races in a BS Fabrications McLaren and had a strong showing. When BS Fabrications staff approached Piquet while he was driving at Brands Hatch, they struck a deal. His highest placing in Italy was tenth.
Nelson Piquet Siblings: Geraldo Souto Maior, Genusa Souto Maior and Alexis Souto Maior
Piquet’s siblings were a sister named Genusa, and two brothers named Alexis and Geraldo. Piquet has the distinction of being the youngest child.
There are no known additional details regarding the siblings.
