Video. David Coulthard's notable moments in F1

1. Promising start at Williams
Called to the rescue by Frank Williams to replace Ayrton Senna after the tragic 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, the young David Coulthard (23 years old at the time) is trying to make a name for himself in the merciless world of Formula 1. The Scot is doing quite well, notably with a second place in Estoril (Portugal) at the end of the season, and plays the role of lieutenant of Damon Hill (vice-champion) as best as possible.

In 1995, David Coulthard opened his victory counter in Portugal and even finished on the final podium (3rd).

There were, however, some big blunders, notably in Adelaide (Australia): while in the lead, David Coulthard missed the braking point when entering the pit lane, and had to retire with a broken front left suspension. He will be replaced by the promising Jacques Villeneuve the following year.

2. Nine years of marriage McLaren
It is with McLaren that “DC” will glean the most rewards: 12 victories from 1997 to 2003 and 14 fastest laps. During this period, the Briton distinguished himself by being very consistent, although a little slower than the leader of the Silver Arrows, Mika Hakkinen. David Coulthard, renowned for his gentlemanly spirit, does not hesitate to react to the virile maneuvers of certain rivals, such as Michael Schumacher. In 1998, in the rain at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), the two drivers exchanged a few pleasantries in the pits after crashing.

Two years later in Magny-Cours (Nièvre), David Coulthard clearly showed his excess towards the defensive trajectories of the German champion.

But before these clashes, the two men got along well. During the 1996 Monaco Grand Prix, David Coulthard, hampered by fogging problems in his helmet, was lent a helmet by the German. As luck would have it, the title sponsor was identical between Ferrari and McLaren.

3. Final highlights at Red Bull
Having withdrawn in 2004 (7th), David Coulthard found refuge with Red Bull. Within the Anglo-Austrian team, DC brings its experience. He will even sign two last podiums despite a car clearly second curtain, on demanding circuits like Monaco (in 2006) and Montreal (Canada, in 2008). In the Principality, he collects his trophy with a Superman cape story to promote the film Superman Returns.