Nelson Piquet Family Tree: The Story Behind Brazil's 3-Time F1 Champion

Nelson Piquet Souto Maior, born 17 August 1952 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a Brazilian F1 driver — 3-time World Drivers' Champion (1981, 1983 with Brabham; 1987 with Williams); 23 wins.

The Family's Roots: A Wealthy Brazilian Family

The Souto Maior family is from Rio de Janeiro — father a health minister.

His Parents

Father: Estácio Gonçalves Souto Maior — physician; Brazilian Minister of Health (1955-58).

Mother: Clotilde Piquet Souto Maior (Piquet was his mother's surname, which he adopted).

His First Wife: Sylvia Tamsma

Sylvia Tamsma — married Nelson in 1976; divorced.

His Second Wife: Viviane de Souza Leão

Viviane de Souza Leão — married Nelson.

His Children

Nelson Piquet Jr., born 25 July 1985 — son with Sylvia Tamsma; F1 driver 2008-2009 (Renault); Formula E Champion 2014-15.

Pedro Piquet, born 20 May 1998 — son with Viviane de Souza Leão; racing driver.

Kelly Piquet, born 21 December 1988 — daughter with model Katherine Valentin; partner of Max Verstappen.

Julia Piquet, born 1992 — daughter with model.

Laszlo Piquet, born 2000 — son.

The Piquet Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Estácio Souto Maior — Brazilian Health Minister 1955-58.

Mother: Clotilde Piquet Souto Maior.

First Wife: Sylvia Tamsma (m. 1976).

Second Wife: Viviane de Souza Leão.

Children: Nelson Piquet Jr. (b. 25 July 1985) — F1/Formula E champion; Kelly Piquet (b. 21 December 1988) — Max Verstappen's partner; Julia (b. 1992); Pedro (b. 20 May 1998) — racing driver; Laszlo (b. 2000).

Nelson Piquet:

  • Born 17 August 1952, Rio de Janeiro
  • Karting from teens; adopted mother's maiden name Piquet to hide racing from father
  • Formula Vee, Super Vee, F3 European Champion 1978
  • F1 debut: 1978 German GP (Ensign)
  • Brabham 1979-1985 (Champion 1981, 1983 — youngest 3-time champion at the time)
  • Williams 1986-87 (Champion 1987), Lotus 1988-89, Benetton 1990-91
  • 23 F1 wins, 24 poles, 60 podiums, 3 titles
  • Retired 1991
  • Runs Piquet Sports Kart Team; owns racing land in Brazil
  • Notable for controversial personality; often at odds with team-mates

What the Piquet Family Story Teaches Us

A Health-Minister father. A mother whose surname he adopted. Two marriages. Five children across three relationships — including an F1/Formula E champion son, a partner-of-Max-Verstappen daughter, and a racing-driver son.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Piquet story carries the same lesson. Some racing families produce three generations at F1 level.

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