Let’s hear it from the newbie – Nelson Piquet Jr. Piquet, popularly known as Nelsinho, secured a seat with Renault team. He said he is with Renault on merit and not because of his surname.
Next season, Nelsinho will race alongside former F1 World Champ Fernando Alonso. The team’s decision was made after letting the 22-year-old spend a year as test driver. Nelsinho believes spending a year testing has eased his transition into motorsport’s premier formula.
"Renault F1 Team is a top team, they won two World Championships and are determined to get back on top. After one year with the team as a third driver, I know everybody and feel very comfortable in the team, I know the way they work and it’s probably the best way for me to start racing in F1," he noted.
Nelsinho’s father Nelson Piquet, won 3 World titles in the 1980s, however, Piquet Jr insists that he has made it into F1 because he has the talent to compete with the best, according to Planet-F1. "Ever since I started racing, I have felt the pressure of being Nelson Piquet’s son. My father is a legend in the sport, and that makes me very proud, just like it does for his many fans around the world. If I am here today, it is because I have the talent and have worked hard, with the right motivation, to become an F1 driver."
"My father has been, and will be, a great reference point for me and his support was crucial to the early stages of my career, all the way to GP2 Series," he said. "But to get into Formula One, you need much more than a famous surname. Renault have given me the chance to race for them, and that is because I have the talent and potential to do so. The team knows how we perform in the tests, what configuration the car is in, and our character. That is what counts in Formula One."
Nelsinho is optimistic about the upcoming season. "Throughout my career, I have been very focused on achieving the best possible results - and that’s how I intend to approach Formula One as well. I am confident that I can reward the faith Renault has placed in me by being clear-headed about the car’s potential at each race, and working hard. I go to every race aiming for the best possible result, but with my feet firmly on the ground."