LEGENDS: Why World Championships Eluded David Coulthard | F1 Beyond The Grid Podcast

What’s the difference between winning races and winning World Championships?

David Coulthard enjoyed multiple Grand Prix wins and podiums, but titles were out of reach during his 15-year career in Formula 1.

So why was he unable to achieve success that the likes of Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have all experienced?

Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Coulthard analyses everything he tried to maximise his ability when competing against ‘exceptional’ drivers and why he ultimately fell short of becoming World Champion.

02:51 – what Max and Lewis have in common
08:40 – Senna, Mansell and Prost's different personalities
14:29 – why he knew he’d beat Schumacher at Magny Cours 2000
19:30 – why brain analysis made DC a more ‘consistent driver
23:53 – how naivety set him back
30:48 – Did McLaren feel like Hakkinen’s team?
35:52 – why he gave up victory at Melbourne ‘98
39:20 – how Red Bull experience compared to McLaren
48:07 – Why Sainz should prioritise short-term success
52:09 – Why DC had doubts about Toro Rosso
56:35 – Does making your bed lead to World Championships?
57:50 – Quickfire questions

Follow F1®:

#F1

[lergnan]

I can't explain how much I genuinely enjoy listening to DC and respect him. He just radiates class and wisdom, even when he's saying things the other commentators can't and getting away with it lol

[GhsTPro]

One of the very best interviews I've seen in years and not just within F1. It's so refreshing to have someone speak truthfully and on point. Thank you very much Mr. Coulthard. It was really a pleasure.

[Mahadness]

DC is an outstanding ambassador for Formula 1

[elmadi]

I like the way DC talks and mindset. He spoke clearly with humility. I will vote for him as F1 ambassador 🏎🏁

[benwilliams]

Him and Mika made me a McLaren fan. Both not just brilliant drivers, but also lovely men.

[twraia]

DC is a great gentleman racer and an even better F1 commentator. We are lucky to have him

[sultanabran]

i've listened to almost every episode of beyond the grid. this is one of my favourites. Tom asking and DC answering the exact questions i want to ask DC. so much insight. always loved DC, always will.

[brightenupcc]

This is 10x better than the Lando interview. DC is prepped, articulated and knowledgeable.

[TonyKing-lj]

That has got to be one of the best I have ever listened Thank you Tom, Thank you DC absolutely fantastic.

[GhsTPro]

46:07 Probably the most insightful 30 seconds of the interview. It may sound so obvious but it's extremely hard to actually achieve. Anyone who's been on a project where multiple groups of people are required to work together has experienced it. "The mindset of a winning team comes from leadership."

[DPW]

What an interview! Best one of these, i think!

[VishnuPadmanabhan]

This is such an amazing conversation! DC is a class apart and Tom is an absolute gem of an interviewer. This is one of my favourite ones. Brilliance!

[Dmprobert]

Really interesting point that DC makes at 28:11, he doesn’t say anything that is new information but articulates it in such a way that I hadn’t thought of before

[tjantilag]

His comments re Ron admitting he might like Mika a little more speaks volumes about Ron as a person. Behind the steely exterior was a man who deeply cared about his people and team.

[Grammarlings-cfyw]

DC acquitted himself well in this interview. He is respectful of Hamilton and Max who are on a higher level.

[the_fleeing_dutchman]

Always a joy to listen to, DC that is, and especially in this format: one hour of talk about a wide range of subjects giving us a wonderful insight in the mind set of an F1 driver. Great questions too Tom!! So, thank you both TC and DC!
And btw, I think all F1 drivers on the current grid, could learn something from this, so listen up guys!!

[chinny]

McLaren and Red Bull legend. Race commentator too. Not a championship winner but a reliable teammate.

[joelmspencer]

One of the most fascinating insights into man and machine and what it is to be an athlete and driver in Formula 1. Superb. Always enjoy listening to DC. He says he isn't smart, but he sure is.

[suicidalbanananana]

Thanks for this, love these longer F1 interviews 👍❤

[lancelot_]

Jawline wasn't an elite driver, very few are.
But to beat prime Schumacher and Häkkinen to a few wins is something very few people could do.
Also, on David's first year at Red Bull was on Fire and got shed loads of points for them, In a weird way he's the best Red Bull driver cos he personally nicked Adrian Newey off Mclaren.
Deserves some respect.