David Coulthard was in reflective mood after the Canadian Grand Prix, perhaps realising that his surprise trip to the podium might be a last chance to experience the glory of Formula One before the curtain comes down on his long career.
The Scot has been at the centre of several rumours this season, ranging from joining former world champions Renault as replacement for the under-fire Nelson Piquet Jr to lining up a television role alongside advisor Martin Brundle when British F1 coverage switches to the
BBC in 2009. Although he has made no direct reference to this year being his last in the top flight, DC's comments during the Montreal press conference hinted at a man coming to terms with retirement.
"I think it is my 62nd podium and I am as delighted to be here as I was in 1994 when I had my first podium and scored my first points," Coulthard said after the incident-filled race.
"I am in a reflective mood in my career as, obviously, 15 seasons is a long time for anyone, especially after such an ugly start to the season. The clock is definitely ticking and I'm delighted about that because I've had a great journey in my career and through life, and the alternative doesn't excite me very much.
"I appreciate that Mika [Hakkinen] brought his career to an end relatively quickly - and I think, on reflection, probably too quickly - [but] I don't feel that I've done that and I guess most of you would agree. I've enjoyed it to the maximum. We're all different, we all make our choices and I'm delighted with the choices that I've made."
Recalling his early days in Formula One, Coulthard was able to empathise with race winner Robert Kubica, but reserved some of his excitement for his own team as well.
"It is great to see the younger guys enjoying their first victories, [and] I am very happy for Robert and for BMW," he admitted, "I think they are deserved winners of this grand prix.
"I am also especially happy for all of the team I work with. This is my fourth year at Red Bull. We started a journey four years ago to take the team forward and, like BMW, we are on an upward trend. We can take a great deal of pride from that."
The Scot was particularly pleased to have been able to pull off the strategy the Red Bull Racing chose for him, taking advantage of the pit-lane drama that ruled out Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen, and delayed others, such as Felipe Massa.
