Julia Piquet, wife of NASCAR driver Daniel Suárez, revealed her struggle with anxiety during an episode of the Certified Oversharer podcast. She described how even participating in Zoom calls causes her intense nervousness, a feeling she finds more overwhelming than watching Suárez compete on the track.
The discussion emerged after podcast host Samantha Busch, wife of driver Kyle Busch, asked what people might not know about Julia, leading her to share openly about her anxiety challenges in alignment with the podcast’s mission to explore the true experiences of women.
Julia Piquet Shares Her Experience Managing Anxiety
<pSpeaking candidly about her mental health, Julia explained that although she does not suffer from constant anxiety, she does encounter moments of debilitating fear. She noted being naturally introverted, especially around unfamiliar people, which contributes significantly to her stress.
She stated,
“I have, not all the time, but at times I have, like, crippling anxiety.”
Julia expanded on her feelings about virtual meetings:
“First of all, I’m an introvert, right? Especially when it’s around people I don’t really know, and I think that is part of it, but if I have to be on a Zoom call, I will stress about it, like the day before I’m overthinking it. Then the hour before the Zoom call, I mean, you have no idea. I’m like… crippling anxiety.”
Comparing this to her emotional state during races, Julia said,
“But then once I get on the call… it’s like nothing ever happens. Like 10 seconds into the call, I’m like, ‘I got this. I’m good.’ It’s just like the lead-up to it. The anticipation. It’s insane. I get more nervous for a Zoom call than I do for Daniel’s races.”
Supporting Daniel Suárez and Embracing a Racing Heritage
Julia also spoke about her close involvement in Daniel Suárez’s racing career, sharing how she travels to every NASCAR event with him. She expressed that being part of the racing scene feels natural because motorsport has always been deeply rooted in her family heritage.
She told Samantha Busch,
“I love it. I love traveling every weekend. I love being with him. I’m not just there on race days. I’m out with him on pit road for practice and for qualifying because I love it so much… because it’s something that’s always been in my family.”
Julia’s connection to motorsports runs in the family. She is the daughter of three-time Formula 1 world champion Nelson Piquet and is linked to current F1 champion Max Verstappen through her sister Kelly Piquet. Kelly and Verstappen recently welcomed their daughter Lily during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, and Julia traveled to Monaco to meet her niece.
Daniel Suárez’s NASCAR Career and Trackhouse Racing’s Future
Since joining Trackhouse Racing in 2021, Daniel Suárez has made a notable impact in NASCAR, securing victories at Sonoma in 2022 and Atlanta earlier this year. Despite his achievements, there is uncertainty about his future in the series, as no contract for the 2026 NASCAR season has been confirmed.
The Trackhouse Racing team is preparing for upcoming changes. The 19-year-old prospect Connor Zilisch is set to join the roster, alongside established drivers Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen, as the team looks to maintain competitive momentum.
The Broader Context of Julia Piquet’s Perspective
Julia’s openness about her anxiety offers a meaningful glimpse into the challenges faced by those supporting professional athletes behind the scenes. Her experience highlights the pressures not only on drivers like Suárez but also on their families, who navigate public and private demands with resilience.
Her reflections underscore the human aspect of racing, where the mental health of those involved is as essential as physical performance. This candidness may encourage greater understanding and dialogue within the NASCAR community and beyond about mental health awareness.
As the motorsports world anticipates the next steps for Daniel Suárez and Trackhouse Racing, Julia’s story adds depth to the narrative of what it means to be part of this high-stakes environment. Her commitment to supporting Suárez while managing her own challenges speaks to the passion and determination that surround the sport.
