272 replies to this topic

[kodandaram]

So finally David Coulthard has come to the end of his McLaren racing days. HE might be there as a thrid driver if he doesn't find a seat but it certainly ends his racing days with McLaren.

Looking back I can only think of unfulfilled potential and a great opputunity lost to become a WDC . But DC did give us some super races - especially that bird to Michale in France 2000. Any other memories and snippets are welcome. Please discuss DC's time with McLaren .

I was always wanting DC to be replaced after he failed to land the title in 1998,1999 and in 2000 - although 2000 was perhaps Ferrari's year. I always thought that he was wasting a good seat. And now the time has come. I think it is better for F1 that we will have two really fast and motivated drivers in McLAren for 2005.

But by saying that I don't mean to deride DC. Off the track he is a true gentleman and I always admire his manners and PR work. He is great with the fans and I have a helmet signed by him which Iwill always treasure. But while he is super off track I cannot say the same about his on track exploits . Sure he has the ability and talent to do the business , but he seems to be off the boil on most occassions . Just last sunday he showed his class at Suzuka by leaving Kimi for the dead ....but such performances are once in a blue moon and its not good enough .

In some ways I liken DC's career to that of Johnny Herbert. BUT - Johnny was held back by that horrible crash (donnington ? ) while DC was held back by unexplicable lack of consistency. Both their careers were a case of a natural talent never blossomed in full.

Whatever happens to DC from here I would still put him in a car ahead of all the other rookies we have searching for a seat in 2005. I am inclined to say that he should be in the BAR in 2005 but I think that Anthony Davidson has a better shot at it . Anthony has stayed loyal to BAR for a long time . HE has earned his stripes. He is quick even if he sometimes is arrogant and has said some bad things about others . I think he deserves a shot and I think BAR have an obligation to give him a shot after haveing used his services for so long. So I think AD gets my nod for that BAR seat.

IT would be a shame if DC were not to be on the grid in a competetive car in 2005. BUt the chances of that are slim. The only decent competetive seat is with the Jaguar but I am not sure that team will be on the grid . So its looking very bad for DC . Moreover it doesn't look like there will be a three car situation. I hope something comes up for him since if he was to retire then it would be a great shame and loss for F1. In any case I will be following DC's Brazilian GP with a lot of interest and I hope he goes out with a win - even if that seems unliekly . Best of luck mate !

[rek]

If DC doesn't end up with a racing seat in '05, I reckon he should take James Allen's ITV commentary seat.

I think he'd be really good in the commentary box; from press conferences he's shown to be one who thinks on his feet and can come up with some classic comments now and again

[Alapan]

Anyone would be better than James Allen in commentary of F1.

[HP]

From his comments throughout the year, I think a change of scenery is the best thing that can happen to him.

His remaining chance wll be BAR, where I think he would do well. Good for him that Jaguar is selling their team. I don't think it would help DC at all to drive with a car like the Jag, too many car troubles ahead, and I think he had enough of those at McLaren. At least the McLaren was competetive for most of the times.

His best season with McLaren IMO was 2001, but the the team was simply not up to the job to provide him with a reliable car.

I never liked DC, but I do wish him well for the future, especially that he can join a team where folks believe in him, rather than exploiting his PR skills. That's the thing I never understood about him, why did he stay with McLaren for so long. He gave the team more than the team gave him.

[confucius]

I'm guessing that DC will take a break (possibly test) next year and then secure a race seat in 2006. So many people wrote off JV and the possibility that he will come back again. DC's break might not be his choice, but I think it might do some good.

I hope he can race for a few more years. I think he has the skill to race at this level for a while yet.

[Kilted Wanderer]

I've always regarded DC as a driver lacking a substancial quantity of one vital ingredient - luck. Some just don't seem to have it. Some seem to have it all......

[Torx]

Originally posted by Kilted Wanderer
I've always regarded DC as a driver lacking a substancial quantity of one vital ingredient - luck. Some just don't seem to have it.

Last year excepted DC has been the luckier McLaren driver since 2001.

[philhitchings]

DC never had my full support, and judging by the slight hints of resentment he showed when speaking on Sunday he didn't have full support from McLaren either. Personally I think his future is looking quite bleak at the moment. As a test driver perhaps there's a chance, as a race driver the odds are pretty long IMO

Favourite memory crashing into the pit entry at Adelaide, spinning on the parade lap at Monza But Seriously: His come back in Austria a few years ago ?99 from the back of the grid to finish second behind Mika. His pass on Panis at last years GBGP, that move really shines out for me.

DC 2003 GBGP


BTW JH had his crash at Brands not Donnington

[BRG]

Even if Coulthard's days at McLaren are ending, and even if there are no more F1 chances, I very much doubt that it will be the end of his career as a racing driver. There are lots of other forms of racing other than F1 and I suspect that Coulthard will not the type to skulk off to his car dealership or his lakeside sauna or his golfclub or whatever like some retired F1 aces but will go and find something else to race. Expect to see him at the front end at Le Mans in the future. Dropping out of F1 might be the best thing that could happen to him!

[scheivlak]

Originally posted by philhitchings
But Seriously: His come back in Austria a few years ago ?99 from the back of the grid to finish second behind Mika.

1998 - in 1999 he forced Mika to make a great comeback in Austria....

Originally posted by philhitchings
His pass on Panis at last years GBGP, that move really shines out for me.

Can't remember a pass on Panis- anyway, the pic looks very much like his brilliant pass on Da Matta!

[kodandaram]

The more I think about it , the better it sounds . Yes - David could do with a break from F1. Look at Jacques Villeneuve. His performances in the car in the last 2 races may not show it , but defenitely the people in the paddock say he is better now , he is mellower and he is good to work with . I reckon Jacques also enjoys driving now more than ever - even if he has to drive that difficult r24 ......
sometiem soon - maybe brazil JV will get into his stride and we will see if the break did him any good.


Similarly DC has been with McLaren for a long time and has always played the unofficial second fiddle to Mika and Kimi . IT drains your mind of energy and enthusiasm . I think a break would do DC a lot of good. I think he should walk away from the brazilian GP for 6 months. Then sign a testing deal with McLAren for the remaining 6 months (McLaren have gone on the record saying they would like to keep DC as a third test driver ) .

That way he will have taken a break and will also find enough time to acclimatise to the new rules in F1 for 2006 . Then he MIGHT just be able to get a seat at Sauber(replace massa ) , BAR ( either sato or davison) , MidLand F1 team (why not ?) , or some other team which buys Jaguar ? who knows ....but there will be opportunities .....no question.

[Schuperman]

1998, should have been his best opportunity to win the coveted WDC. The day he willingly surrendered his winning position in the first race of the year, IMO was the day he made his destiny in his brilliant yet unfulfilled F1 career. Spa 1998, another controversial race he was involved with. I personally see this as an act of supporting role in order to help his team mate. Ayrton Senna would have never approved DC as a driver to be destined for greatness.

1999, despite MS' absence, he seems to have mentally accepted that Mika was the superior driver. To add the misery, his car was the ones that sufferred the reliability problems.

2000, MS had a car that could compete with McLaren. While Mika had been driving the best drive of his carreer. Again at USGP 2000 he was trying ruin MS' race in order to help Mika. Suzuka 2000, DC was left being a spectator. Barring any misfortune, being lapped by your own teammate is the worst thing that ever happens to any supposedly top drivers.

2001, MS had a car that equal to McLaren. As mentioned by many experts, when MS has the equal car to the best, no one can compete him. (For less controversial purposes, should be read before the arrival of Kimi) .

2002, MS had the best car on the grid. (Kimi was driving for Sauber).

2003, the arrival of Kimi has sealed DC's fate. Kimi had made him like a second-rated driver. As early as middle of the year, JPM was announced to replace him. Thus 2004 should be his showcase year to attract other team bosses.

2004, MS had the best car again. Williams has openly said DC has not been in their listing.

How do I rate DC? A brilliant driver and racer but lacks of selfishness and self-esteem to be a champion.

If anyone can comment.... in 2001 DC was ahead of Rubens, why do you think so? Were McLaren the better package than Ferrari? OR... DC was the better driver than Rubens then?

[Enkei]

Originally posted by Schuperman


2001, MS had a car that equal to McLaren. As mentioned by many experts, when MS has the equal car to the best, no one can compete him. (For less controversial purposes, should be read before the arrival of Kimi) .

You mean that car that was breaking down every race or two or sometimes never even left the starting grid was equal to the F2001?

[scheivlak]

Originally posted by Schuperman
Suzuka 2000, DC was left being a spectator. Barring any misfortune, being lapped by your own teammate is the worst thing that ever happens to any supposedly top drivers.

Wel, for the record - DC wasn't lapped. And he finished 10 seconds ahead of Rubens - who consequently was farther behind Schumi than DC was behind Mika.

[Sith]

The sooner he drives his LAST RACE, the sooner his fans can deal with reality and get on with life!

[Schuperman]

Originally posted by Enkei
You mean that car that was breaking down every race or two or sometimes never even left the starting grid was equal to the F2001?

2001, I was referring to DC's reliability. DC had 3 DNFs (Canadian, Britain, Germany). MS had 1 DNF (San Marino).

And please remember, Ron Dennis has different philosophy than MS when choosing between speed and reliability.

Ron Dennis: "I'd rather have a fast unreliable car than a slow reliable car because the challenge of getting reliability is a smaller one than making a slow car quick . Our main competition just had slightly better reliability and that of course tends to throw the spotlight on us and why we didn't win the world championship. Since the first time McLaren turned a wheel on a grand prix track in 1966, we've won one of every four races we've competed in".

Personally I tend to agree with RD's philosophy. While MS would prefer to have realiability over speed. In most cases, you can't have both.

[gerry nassar]

Sith - you know deep down you really love the guy!!

DC highlights - Brazil 01 and France 00 - both overtaking MS for the win.

[Schuperman]

scheivlak.... you are right, thanks. I stand to be corrected.

[davegp3]

Originally posted by Sith
The sooner he drives his LAST RACE, the sooner his fans can deal with reality and get on with life!

Irvine is it you?

[WACKO]

Originally posted by confucius
I'm guessing that DC will take a break (possibly test) next year and then secure a race seat in 2006. So many people wrote off JV and the possibility that he will come back again. DC's break might not be his choice, but I think it might do some good.

Well I think we can agree on it that Villeneuve has been extremely lucky and that if it wasn't for Sauber to take an experienced guy rather than the reigning F3000 champion (which would have been the more obvious choice, regarding the latest trends) and Renault firing their driver, JVi wouldn't have been here any more. It isn't easy to return as you have only results from the past as a proven record. Moreover, even DC's recent results aren't impressive and contrary to Villeneuve Coulthard has never been World Champion, something that is as well a statistic from the past, but very attractive from a sponsoring point of view. So if he is to quit for 2005, I honestly doubt whether we will see him back in competition at all.

[Seat18E]

I have grow to re-like DC over the last 2 years. He's kept his head up and mouth in check. It will be unfortunate too see him gone and not in a top team.

Here's hoping that he finds a ride somewher at the top

[Sakae]

Originally posted by HP
From his comments throughout the year, I think a change of scenery is the best thing that can happen to him.

His remaining chance wll be BAR, where I think he would do well. Good for him that Jaguar is selling their team. I don't think it would help DC at all to drive with a car like the Jag, too many car troubles ahead, and I think he had enough of those at McLaren. At least the McLaren was competetive for most of the times.

His best season with McLaren IMO was 2001, but the the team was simply not up to the job to provide him with a reliable car.

I never liked DC, but I do wish him well for the future, especially that he can join a team where folks believe in him, rather than exploiting his PR skills. That's the thing I never understood about him, why did he stay with McLaren for so long. He gave the team more than the team gave him.

Suprisingly (at least for me), commentators on an American network insist, that rumor in the paddock seems increasingly convinced on JB staying with BAR in 2005, while no one is able to explain in rational terms what kind of relationship JB and Richards would have, if that becomes reality. DC then still have probably chance to take a seat with marginal teams (I am not sure at all what will happen at Williams).

[dgsg]

Originally posted by kodandaram
I think it is better for F1 that we will have two really fast and motivated drivers in McLAren for 2005.

I thought JPM was going there?

[MortenF1]

While I was confident DC would beat Raïkkönen on Suzuka, I'm almost as sure about Brazil, so I think he will finish his time with McLaren (unless the top six teams will have to run three cars...) with a brilliant race. It would be absolutely fantastic if he won, but while I think McLaren will be very strong there, it's still Ferrari's race to lose.
I've not yet lost hope about him joining B-A-R, (hence being a bit restless about 16th. October) and as I've said before, I think it would be very good. Very good for him, Sato and B-A-R(and BAT). But the combination of a front-running package AND a change of scene, a fresh start, is what excites me, and why I'm so strongly hoping for DC and B-A-R.
I've not made a secret about me believing he's Championship-material, that he's got the potential to clinch the F1 WDC. But IMO, McLaren have in some ways failed to extract the most from DC, and as HP has noticed, he's even suggested that himself this year.
Agree with those saying his best year was 2001, but typically, McLaren wasn't up to it that year. 2002 was also very good, but this year Ferrari were ages ahead. I believe though, that DC was the second best performing driver this year.
To me, F1 would be poorer if he left, but I don't think, and I certainly hope he will not wave bye-bye to F1, even if it's only for a sabbatical.

[MortenF1]

Originally posted by dgsg

I thought JPM was going there?

I was thinking about writing the same...

[kenjafield]

I think that by next summer people will have re-evaluated their opinions of DC. Why? Because Kimi will mop the floor with JPM, really destroy him. Sorry JPM fans, but I can't see it even being close. Then people will remember races like Suzuka and others, where DC was on his game and tanking the youngster.

[Mat]

Originally posted by race addicted
I believe though, that DC was the second best performing driver this year.

What?!? Your just having a go right? You really are DC addicted! Tell me what has DC done this year to warrant 2nd best rating. MS has been better, So has RB, KR, MW, JB, TS, and the list goes on!

[davegp3]

Originally posted by kenjafield
I think that by next summer people will have re-evaluated their opinions of DC. Why? Because Kimi will mop the floor with JPM, really destroy him. Sorry JPM fans, but I can't see it even being close. Then people will remember races like Suzuka and others, where DC was on his game and tanking the youngster.

That's my opinion too. JPM will be lucky to have as many races as DC in which he will beat Kimi.

[Karpow]

Originally posted by Schuperman
2001, MS had a car that equal to McLaren.

Now that was a good one!

[tweiss]

One lap quailifing has killed DC's chances to get a good ride next year. He just can't do it. His race pace and craft are good, but his starting position puts him behind from the get go.

[MortenF1]

Barrichello was very good that year, Mat, and so was obviously Raïkkönen. But I would rather put JPM ahead of DC that year, but no-one else I think. It was DC's strong second half of that season especially, that made me rate him as runner-up to Michael Schumacher that year.
But please, this is not the right thread for this.

[klover]

Originally posted by Schuperman
[B]

2001, I was referring to DC's reliability. DC had 3 DNFs (Canadian, Britain, Germany). MS had 1 DNF (San Marino).

And please remember, Ron Dennis has different philosophy than MS when choosing between speed and reliability.

LOL, what about the Spanish and Monaco GP where he qualified 3rd and 1st I think but was forced to start from the back of the grid? And how many DNFs or other mechanincal problems did MS have? To claim that Ferrari was just equal in 2001 is hilarious.

[MortenF1]

Originally posted by tweiss
One lap quailifing has killed DC's chances to get a good ride next year. He just can't do it. His race pace and craft are good, but his starting position puts him behind from the get go.

While that was true for most of the Grands Prix (Grands Prix? Grand Prix's sound better!) last year, he's improved a lot this year.
But you're right, DC has said himself that it's his performances in qualifying last year that's made it difficult for him to negotiate a deal this year.

[mikedeering]

DC gets far more abuse than he deserves. The guy has had many excellent races. To win as many times as he has in the Schumacher era is pretty impressive. You can argue all you like about him not winning the WDC in 1998 or 1999, but Hakkinen was a damn fast teammate - to me there was no shame in being beaten by Mika. Particularly when you consider the team support he received at the expense of Coulthard.

If McLaren had done a better job in 2001 DC may well have got the job done. You did not win twice at Monaco without a big chunk of talent.

[Gemini]

DC is the only driver that I met in person. Few years ago during a West marketing event. We had a good chat, which he aslo seemed to enjoy as, for a brake, I was the only one around who was not asking the ''how does it feel to do 350kmh'' kind of questions... He was very nice, wished me luck in a draw for prizes (a rides in two-seater with DC) and joked that I should stop smoking Marlboros.

Hope he find some exciment his life after F1, he is got money already..

[MarkWRX]

Originally posted by davegp3



Irvine is it you?

No, Sith is just the kind of person who cruises discussion groups, sees that people are having a rational discussion, and because he/she/it doesn't like the driver/team/person/thing decides to make a rude comment that doesn't do anything in terms of advancing the conversation. It just proves that he/she/it is a jerk.

Mark

[jlp]

Originally posted by Schuperman


How do I rate DC? A brilliant driver and racer but lacks of selfishness and self-esteem to be a champion.

Spot on. Curious how things would have gone had been at Stewart F1 rather than McLaren... Could he have developed the edge that has seemingly evaded him?

[checkonetwo]

i would also like to step in and pay some respect to dc. i still think he could have a wdc in him ( though i still think the same about berger ;) ), but he will probably never make it now. the 2003 season has destroyed his reputation and the otherwise pretty impressive vita of a generally better than average f1 driver.

nonetheless IMO he has raised his game signifcantly this season. if not paired with kimi he would look a lot better. i agree that after 2005 we (that is RD and us) will probably have to re-evaluate DC and JPM, as i also expect kimi to dominate jpm in a fairly clear manner.

dc seems to have a nice sense of humour and has always come across as a bit of an old school gentleman, in a positive meaning. he had to suffer some embarassing moments, but then who doesn´t. he could well be some future max mosley type of guy, perfect job for dc. ambassador of f1.

if he doesn´t get a race seat next year, he`ll be gone, as nobody would be interested in watching a dc comeback at sauber 2006, to be blunt. personally, i`d like to see him drive that bar along with sato, but not the williams. still, if davidson gets the ride, it´s all good with me.

[yr]

Originally posted by race addicted
While I was confident DC would beat Raïkkönen on Suzuka, I'm almost as sure about Brazil, so I think he will finish his time with McLaren (unless the top six teams will have to run three cars...) with a brilliant race.

Now let´s not get carried away here, eh?

While DC is very good nowadays in Suzuka and Kimi has had somewhat lacklustre
races there, it was practically first time this year that DC was faster of them in sunday.
Whatever made you think that Mac drivers will both repeat their perfomance in
Brazil is propably nothing more but wishfull thinking.

[BARred]

I'm grateful that the first thread I read since joining this forum was a balanced discussion regarding David Coulthard!

Why - because I have just been banned and had my post wiped from the pitpass forum because I dared to say to the second-in-command there that his petty 'poll' about who DC will crash into next was not behaviour suitable for someone representing an F1 'news' site that is supposed to maintain impartiality.

He had the audacity to admit he hadn't even seen the incident, but that didn't stop them kicking me out and banning my IP address for pointing out that I had.

The same moderator takes every opportunity to mouth off about the UK TV coverage, again in very unprofessional terms, and bans anyone who again dares to try and put a balanced argument in favour of his pet hate - ITV.

I hope to goodness the same sort of thing doesn't go on in here!.

[BARred]

I'm grateful that the first thread I read since joining this forum was a balanced discussion regarding David Coulthard!

Why - because I have just been banned and had my post wiped from the pitpass forum because I dared to say to the second-in-command there that his assumption that David Coulthard 'must' have been responsible for the collision with Rubens Barichello, and his petty 'poll' about who DC will crash into next was not behaviour suitable for someone representing an F1 'news' site that is supposed to maintain impartiality.

He had the audacity to admit he hadn't even seen the incident, but that didn't stop them kicking me out and banning my IP address for pointing out that I had.

The same moderator takes every opportunity to mouth off about the UK TV coverage, again in very unprofessional terms, and bans anyone who again dares to try and put a balanced argument in favour of his pet hate - ITV.

I hope to goodness the same sort of thing doesn't go on in here!.

[Enkei]

Originally posted by BARred
I'm grateful that the first thread I read since joining this forum was a balanced discussion regarding David Coulthard!

Why - because I have just been banned and had my post wiped from the pitpass forum because I dared to say to the second-in-command there that his petty 'poll' about who DC will crash into next was not behaviour suitable for someone representing an F1 'news' site that is supposed to maintain impartiality.

He had the audacity to admit he hadn't even seen the incident, but that didn't stop them kicking me out and banning my IP address for pointing out that I had.

The same moderator takes every opportunity to mouth off about the UK TV coverage, again in very unprofessional terms, and bans anyone who again dares to try and put a balanced argument in favour of his pet hate - ITV.

I hope to goodness the same sort of thing doesn't go on in here!.

That site admin is childish
Now I know where those stupid news items on the site come from. Pitpass

[Spunout]

"nonetheless IMO he has raised his game signifcantly this season. if not paired with kimi he would look a lot better. i agree that after 2005 we (that is RD and us) will probably have to re-evaluate DC and JPM, as i also expect kimi to dominate jpm in a fairly clear manner."

It´s surprising how many expect kimi to beat JPM 10-0. I will be surprised if either of them ends up clearly better, really. They are both too good to be dominated by anyone out there. Yes, even Michael Schumacher. If you count out one dreadful race (2003 USGP) JPM had good season and he got quite close of becoming WDC.

[BARred]

Originally posted by Enkei


That site admin is childish
Now I know where those stupid news items on the site come from. Pitpass

Sorry for hijacking this thread, but I am mega peeved at the PitPass people. They claim they aren't in the pockets or at the beck-and-call of any F1 power broker, yet they censored my posts analysing (pre legal proceedings) the relationship between Bernie Ecclestone and EMTV.

They also claimed to have insider information regarding the Renault team, then claimed to have been 'lied to' when they failed to break the Jacques Villeneuve story (in other words their 'source' didn't tell them about it!). They even posted another unprofessional 'bleeding heart' story about that one!!

I used to respect the people there and regard them as friends, but they have proved to be pompous and petty. I'm looking forward to enjoying better times here!

PS I think DC lost motivation the day McLaren announced JPM's move a year in advance. He deserved better treatment, but then nice guys just get dumped upon!

[MortenF1]

Originally posted by yr


Whatever made you think that Mac drivers will both repeat their perfomance in
Brazil is propably nothing more but wishfull thinking.

Brazil is a place where I wouldn't be surprised to see DC ahead of Raïkkönen, and that's based on history really. Last year he was the stronger of the two there(He pulled from being 2 car lengths in front at the last restart to a full 21 seconds in front! And that was in 13 laps I think..) they were close in '02, but Raïkkönen sadly retired. In addition he's probably veeery hungry to make a solid impression at the last race of the season.
Psst, yr, this is not getting carried away.

[Torx]

Originally posted by race addicted

Brazil is a place where I wouldn't be surprised to see DC ahead of Raïkkönen, and that's based on history really. Last year he was the stronger of the two there(He pulled from being 2 car lengths in front at the last restart to a full 21 seconds in front!

I don't think many conclusions can be drawn from that race since KR had a setup which was more suited to the wet conditions (remember KR passed DC at the beginning of the race and was ahead until the latter stages when the track started to dry up).

[Wouter]

: As a mac fan, I hope that DC will do very well in what will very probably be his last race for the team. With thanks for some fantastic performances like Melbourne and Monza 1997, Imola 1998, Austria 1998, Magny-cours 1999 (the "monsoon" qual), Spa 1999, Silverstone and Magny-Cours 2000, Brazil 2001 (probably his best race ever), Monaco 2001 (qual), Austria 2001 and Monaco 2002 (his second best race?). He was also very loyal to the team, much like RB is to Ferrari.

It's a pity that he hasn't always been consistent (neither has been the reliability of his cars though) and he may have missed a big opportunity in 2000 for the WDC - MH ultimately being the stronger Mac driver. In 2001 Dc was the stronger, but then McLaren wasn't up to it.

I hope he finds another seat and does well, if not in F1 than in some other series.

[LB]

Originally posted by Torx


I don't think many conclusions can be drawn from that race since KR had a setup which was more suited to the wet conditions (remember KR passed DC at the beginning of the race and was ahead until the latter stages when the track started to dry up).

Not even close Kimi did pass DC early one and cooked the tyres. DC got him back pretty early on in pit stops and totally dominated him despite all the safety cars. DC was a street ahead in that race( Barrichello excepted of course) only to lose it because Alonso was an idiot after DC had pitted from the lead. Besides towards the latter stages of the race the rain was coming down again, hence why the Jordan was so fast.

DC has always been good at Brazil he got about his only decent starting slot in one shot qualifying at the above race and he would have won 2001 regardless of weither it rained or not. (Montoya possible excepted)

[taran]

Somehow I don't see Coulthard soldier on in a lesser series.
Some drivers such as Jacques Laffite go on because they simply love racing.
Coulthard never really had that racing for racing's sake sparkle and neither has he the overwhelming self-belief and selfishness (at least in racing, his love life apparently is another matter) of a true champion which could see him try his hand at another series.

I think Coulthard is more the Jonathan Palmer/Thierry Boutsen type. A decent driver who will go on to have a good second career as a businessman. He already has a stake in a hotel and might do more in that arena.

But I think he regards himself too highly and has had sufficient success to continue in a lesser series like the IRL or Cart to see out the waning years of a racing career.

[Wouter]

Originally posted by taran
Somehow I don't see Coulthard soldier on in a lesser series.
Some drivers such as Jacques Laffite go on because they simply love racing.
Coulthard never really had that racing for racing's sake sparkle and neither has he the overwhelming self-belief and selfishness (at least in racing, his love life apparently is another matter) of a true champion which could see him try his hand at another series.

I think Coulthard is more the Jonathan Palmer/Thierry Boutsen type. A decent driver who will go on to have a good second career as a businessman. He already has a stake in a hotel and might do more in that arena.

But I think he regards himself too highly and has had sufficient success to continue in a lesser series like the IRL or Cart to see out the waning years of a racing career.

Boutsen did multiple attempts to win Le Mans after his F1 career, coming close several times, until he nearly got killed there.