Ahead of the Formula E race in Hong Kong, the former champion talks what you need to succeed in a high-pressure environment

Central Harbourfront is set to turn into a racetrack once again this weekend as globe-trotting electric-powered motorsport Formula E screeches into town for the second time. One of the most recognisable names on the grid will be Nelson Piquet Jr, the son of three-time Formula One world champion Nelson Piquet and a former F1 driver himself. Piquet Jr left motorsport’s top tier at the age of 24 under a cloud of controversy, but has been tenaciously rebuilding his career in various motorsports—including rallycross, Nascar and Formula E—reminding fans of the raw talent they first saw when a young Piquet Jr went toe-to-toe with current Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton for the GP2 championship in 2006, before either had graduated to Formula One.

That same talent and determination led the driver to win the inaugural Formula E championship in 2015, despite driving for a makeshift independent racing team that had no reputation, no budget, and—most thought—no hope. After two less successful seasons, Piquet Jr is tipped by pundits to be competitive again this year having signed for Jaguar Racing in the off-season, meaning there will be plenty at stake for the Brazilian at this weekend’s 2017-18 season opener. We catch up with Piquet Jr at the Mandarin Oriental ahead of the Hong Kong Formula E race to learn three things that are crucial for success regardless of industry, and what it takes to make a Formula E champion.

Nelson Piquet Jr preparing for the Hong Kong Formula E race. (Photo: Courtesy of Panasonic Jaguar Racing)