Nelson Piquet dominated the 1978 British F3 series, and then promptly joined the Brabham F1 team alongside Niki Lauda. On Lauda's retirement Piquet became Brabham team leader. The car was uncompetitive in his first season, but in 1980 it came good and Nelson won his first GP at Long Beach in the US, followed by two more wins at Zandvoort and Monza. He almost took the title that year but eventually lost out to Alan Jones. Nelson stayed with Brabham and took his first world title in 1981, following it up with a second in 1983. After a final year with Brabham in 1984, Piquet moved to Williams in 1985 finishing third in the title race. It all came good again for him in 1987 when he took his third title, beating team mate Nigel Mansell into second place. Nelson then had several barren seasons with Lotus and Benetton before finally retiring from F1 in 1991.
Nationality - Brazilian
Born 17 Aug 1952
First GP Germany 1978
Total GP's 204
Wins 23
Poles 24
Fastest laps 23
Total points 485
Teams
Benetton
Brabham
Ensign
Lotus
Claim to fame
World Champion
1981,1983,1987
