David Coulthard has spent 15 years in Grand Prix racing and has been involved in more than his fair share of controversy and battles.
Some moments fans will never forget include the nearly-fist fight between Michael Schumacher and he at Spa in 1998 after Schumacher drove into the back of Coulthard in spray, wearing that ridiculous cape in Monaco 2006 and his two British Grand Prix victories.
We may also remember that David survived a light aircraft accident in 2001, the same year he stormed past Michael Schumacher in a thrilling duel in Magny-Cours. Here, we look back over the career of a man who resembles in style and manner the great Stirling Moss.
A true gentleman driver, fair and honorable to a fault, the sort of man then, perhaps never destined to take Grand Prix racing's ultimate prize, in a time that has no use for gentlemen any longer.
Early Career
David Coulthard was born in 1971 in the town of Twynholm, Scotland. His racing career took off when he won as a "wee lad" of 12 years of age, the Scottish Junior Karting Championship.
It was not only a victorious junior season, but it was a double victory, as David won the title again the following season cementing his ability early on.
In 1986, Coulthard joined the bigger Karting leagues and earned himself in great fashion the Scottish Open Karting Championship adding another trophy to his cabinet but more importantly sending the message about his speed to those on the look out for young talent.
Again this was a double championship win, making it 1986 and 1987 champion as well as the Super 1 category champion to boot. Three titles in two years wasn't bad for a young guy not even able to shave yet!
At 18 years old, David managed to bag himself a taste of that sweet Formula One cherry by driving his first Grand Prix car in 1989. 1989 was a most successful year, which saw him winning the junior British Formula Ford series and finishing third in the prestigious Formula Ford Festival.
To obtain that coveted prize of a test in a Mclaren F1 car, he also won the Autosport Young Driver award. David Coulthard was on his way.
The beginning of the 90's saw the beginning of Coulthard's ascent into car racing proper. With team owner Paul Stewart the son of three time Formula One Champion Jackie, Coulthard entered Formula Vauxhall and Opel Lotus Euroseries and finished the season in third place despite breaking his leg at Spa in the latter series.
There was Brundle and Senna, Schumacher and Hakkinen. Coulthard vs. Barrichello was to become a permanent fixture in both driver's careers now as it was Rubens who had beaten the Scot into second place in 1990's Euroseries.
Barrichello beat Coulthard again in 1991's British Formula Three championship. However, Coulthard was not without success this year, DC lifted the trophy at the Marlboro Masters race and the Macau F3 Grand Prix.
Harder times followed in 1992. Coulthard and Paul Stewart moved up together to Formula One feeder series Formula 3000, which is now GP2. Coulthard took a string of third places at the end of the season, but he finished ninth overall in the championship and looked to struggle at the outset.
10 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Ben Auty about 1 year ago
Get on with your bad self ... OW ! ... Great article mate, an ode to an F1 great ... You captured a snapshot of the great man and we all should remember what a character this GENT is ... This British Gent who is an asset to the sport and a reprasentative of OUR country ! Great stuff !
Have a POTD and 5 stars that man ! See now thats what im talking about !
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steven stones about 1 year ago
Well thank you very much! I'll miss Dave next season, he'll still be around though, rumours he's gonna be commentating next year? He'll make a good fist of that alongside Brundle.
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Ben Auty about 1 year ago
Well for starters he is doing a Schumacher style consultant type thing for Red Bull which will see him continuing to top up that pension ... As for commentating he quashed that rumour in an interview but I heard that the Beeb are quite interested, I suppose every man has his price and he certainly could do it ... Would be funny I know that much, his dry sense of humour would be priceless !
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Andrew McNair about 1 year ago
13 wins is a more than respectable return in F1. I've been waiting for this article and thank you for writing it.
Great Piece
To DC, you'll be sadly missed my friend. Good luck with the future.
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steven stones about 1 year ago
I imagine there must be a couple of David Coulthard articles mustn't there? Anyhow, yeah I thought my own little history and tribute was a fitting article to write for the man who has been a favourite of mine and fans everywhere. He'll still be around though, we'll be seeing his chiselled features a good few years to come I think, not behind the wheel though unfortunately. Thanks!
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Andrew McNair about 1 year ago
I was hoping for a flood of articles but it never came. He doesn't get as much respect as he deserves!
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martin spear about 1 year ago
i like DC , What a Charachter And will Be sorely Missed , A Great driver unfortunate never to win F1's biggest Prize . True legend , dont Go DC .
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steven stones about 1 year ago
Yeah I'm with you with this one! DC could easily clock on for another couple of seasons at the front of the Red Bull charge!
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martin spear about 1 year ago
easily two or 3 more seasons . ive used my POTD today, if i can still pick this tomorrow then i will . we need older drivers in formula 1 , its always nice to listen to them and then you hear the younger drivers u realise how far they have to go
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steven stones about 1 year ago
Aww cheers man!
Yeah totally agree with you! We need a little bit of class and experience around the place. While Raikkonen is snapping under the pressure and pushing photographers about and Hamilton is responding to anything thrown at him whether its negative publicity or triathalon challenges, DC and Rubens have been there and done it, surely their wealth of experience is needed?
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