The statistics speak for themselves: 236
Formula 1 races, 13 grand prix victories, 12 pole positions, 18 fastest laps and 533 points. Not only is
David Coulthard one of the most experienced Formula 1 drivers of all time, he is also one of the most successful
Now, as he readies himself for life as a retiree,
Crash.net takes a look back at a long and glittering motorsport career for one of the sport's most colourful characters…
A fast starter in all senses of the word, David Coulthard has benefited from driving for two of the sports leading teams during his time in
Formula One. Cool, unflappable and blessed with good looks, David has become a firm favourite with the fans.
As with most current
F1 pilots, the young Coulthard enjoyed a successful karting career. Countless victories provided an ideal stepping stone into the 1989 British Formula Ford series, where he promptly secured the Star of Tomorrow title. This success also resulted in the Scot becoming the first recipient of the prestigious McLaren/Autosport Young Driver of the Year Award.
Moving into Formula Vauxhall Lotus for 1990, Coulthard looked likely to repeat his success, only for a leg-breaking shunt at Anderstorp in Sweden to blunt his campaign. Nevertheless, fourth overall in the British series, and fifth in Europe, confirmed Coulthard's ability.
A British F3 campaign with the Paul Stewart Racing team pitted Coulthard against GM Lotus Euroseries rival
Rubens Barrichello. Despite scoring more race wins than the Brazilian, Coulthard was forced to settle for second overall, but more than made up for the disappointment by winning two of the world's three most celebrated F3 at Macau and Zandvoort.
Two seasons in the International F3000 championship failed to provide Coulthard with a title, but he carved out a reputation as a hard racer who could win from anywhere. His first win in the category came with Pacific Racing in 1992, en route to third overall in the championship.
