“I'm a guy who doesn't have a lot of friends”: When Nelson Piquet Jr. opened up about having feuds in racing

Back in 2013, Nelson Piquet Jr. was in his maiden full-time season in the Xfinity Series. At the time, he spoke to NASCAR reporter Jeff Gluck and reflected on his friends and foes on track.

As the son of three-time F1 world champion Nelson Piquet, Piquet Jr. began his professional career driving for the Renault Formula 1 racing team. After getting involved in the controversial Crashgate scandal in 2008, the Brazilian was dropped midway through the 2009 season.

He later switched to the NASCAR Truck series and grabbed a stellar P6 in his debut race at Daytona International Speedway. The 40-year-old soon transitioned to the Xfinity Series and scored his maiden win at Road America.

The growing momentum earned him a full-time ride in 2013. During the season, Piquet Jr. had an interview with Jeff Gluck, where he was asked about having friends in the series.

"I'm a guy who doesn't have a lot of friends, " Nelson Piquet Jr. said, "but the real friends I have are really close to me. So if there is anybody -- from a driver to a journalist or a sponsor, whatever -- that I feel just doesn't rub me well, I'm not going to force myself to get involved, you know? They're just in a separate category. Then I have my friends over here (in another category), and they're always my friends."

Nelson Piquet Jr. was forced out of his seat due to a lack of sponsorships, but he went on to have a successful title-winning year in the inaugural season of Formula E.

His sister, Julia Piquet, recently shared a passionate plea for his return to NASCAR.

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When Nelson Piquet Jr. addressed a potential NASCAR return

Amidst a triumphant season in Formula E, Nelson Piquet Jr. opened up on his love for NASCAR. He shared his desire to win a Truck Series championship and become the first Latin American to do so. Notably, he was the first ever Brazilian to nab a NASCAR win.

“I would love to return and would love to win a Truck championship and be the first Latin American to win a NASCAR championship, but all depends. I mean, still have 30 years at least in my career and a lot can happen," Piquet Jr. said via Motorsport.com.

"I’m never going say no to NASCAR. It’s a great sport, a great category, I love them very much and I love the racing, love the fighting," he added.

Nelson Piquet Jr. is currently competing in the Stock Car Pro Series, a touring series happening in South America. While the season is in progress, he has already scored a race win and is placed eighth in the standings.