DC Talks About His Career And F1 In General

CK and DC
By Gordon Miller
July 27 2005

David Coulthard is adamant he will know when to throw in the towel on his Formula One career, which remains the focal point of his life.

There were many caught by surprise when Coulthard signed for Red Bull Racing for this season following his release from McLaren at the end of last year.

After being a front-runner in Formula One for so long with the Woking-based team, there was the feeling the Scot would lack the commitment required for a mid-field outfit.

Yet the 34-year-old's continued desire and passion recently guaranteed him a contract for 2006 when he anticipates the car will be a stronger contender.

Despite Coulthard being a multi-millionaire, and in a position where he does not have to work again, his love for Formula One remains as strong as ever.

Coulthard said: "I'm still committed as ever - I wouldn't be sitting here right now if that wasn't the case.

"Do you think I'd put myself through this every weekend if I didn't want that commitment?

"This isn't a pay day for me. I have a financial base, I have businesses, opportunities to go and do other things.

"The reality is, when I sit down in the cold light of day, what brings me the most pleasure and gives me the motivation to get up and train and live my life, is Formula One.

"I enjoy the technical challenge, driving the cars, working with people, and I don't see anyone in the team going significantly quicker than me.

"The point at which I can be called into question is when I'm being consistently beaten.

"I know there will come a day when I will wake up and think 'I've had enough' I just hope it happens at the end of the season because if it happened mid-season then you can't go on. You have to stop.

You cannot drive these cars around the streets of Monte Carlo without commitment - The minute you doubt your commitment, that is when it is time to finish. If I wasn't committed, I couldn't wake up and just turn it on for Monaco. I would pull a sickie because that's the last place you want to be driving at 99%."

Coulthard is convinced Red Bull are going in the right direction.

The team is taking shape, and for 2006 Red Bull Racing might shock a few people, with Coulthard adding: "It is still a difficult business.

"There is a vast gap between where we are and where McLaren are right now, or Renault, but the only way to go forward is to work.

"We've the new wind tunnel, and there's a constant investment in people, because while you might have the technology you also need the people to develop it.

"The last piece in the jigsaw is the decision on tyres. We're discussing things because you can't possibly now what the development is going to be through the winter.

"But I believe this team can go forward. If you look at it we are now competitive with Sauber and Williams, who are two teams who have had more stability and have been longer in the game than we have."