10 Most Successful Formula One Drivers Of All Time
9. Nelson Piquet
Championships: 3
Wins: 23
Pole Positions: 24
When you ask people to name the drivers that have won three world championships, many people forget Nelson Piquet. A world champion in 1981, 1983, and 1987, Piquet's career was always overshadowed by others on this list.
Piquet's career high came during his stint with the Brabham team, owned at the time by Bernie Ecclestone, between 1979 and 1985. The Brabham cars were well-designed and quick, allowing Piquet to show off his undoubted skills, winning two of his Championships with the team.
Piquet is most remembered for his battles at Williams with Britain's own, Nigel Mansell. The two had ding-dong battles in 1986 and 1987, with the on-track apathy crossing over into real life. Nelson was irritated about Mansell's standing in the team compared to himself so would play mind-games with the Brit throughout their two seasons together, one time even insulting his wife.
For a three-time world champion, Piquet's fading into mediocrity in his later years somewhat tarnishes his achievements. Yet, he won races in all but four of his 14 seasons in the sport. 23 wins and a three-time World champion is an incredible return for a driver who made the most of his talent.