‘I would love my son to follow in my footsteps’

No.1’s Nadine Hawkins caught up with the legendary David Coulthard at the launch of his new timepiece to talk Formula One, family and bling!

Think of Formula One and you instantly think of fellow Scot, David Coulthard. A big name from a very small Scottish village, he carved out a career in one of the most dangerous, yet glamorous sports. He notched up various wins and at the time of his retirement in 2008, he was the highest scoring driver of all time with 13 Formula One victories having competed for Williams F1, McLaren-Mercedes and Red Bull Racing. David also proved to be popular with the tabloids and his turbulent love life was fodder for many of the red tops – even as recently as a couple of months ago after he was pictured leaving a club at the same time as a particularly buxom blonde…

Now working with the BBC as an F1 commentator he lives full-time in Monaco with wife Karen, a former reporter and racing correspondent. The couple have a young son named Dayton and Karen has an older daughter from a previous relationship.
David has recently launched the TW Steel David Coulthard CEO Tech Collection at award winning jewellers, ROX. No.1’s Nadine caught up with him at the star-studded launch for a chat.

First up your new collection – tell us about it?
Well the watch is in line with my style, I think it is subtle and classy. Ideal if you aren’t a big fan of the ostentatious...

Living in Monaco must really make you miss Scotland and the weather?
I wouldn’t say I miss Scotland, as I know it is always here! There are things that I miss that remind me of Scotland, however. I miss my uncle (who sadly passed away) and I miss my dog and I miss the people. Everybody says it but it is true – the Scottish people are so genuine, in Scotland if people like you they will tell you and if they think you are an arse they will tell you!

When was the last time you were back?
I think the last time I was in my hometown was probably two years ago! The thing is the people that I would miss; my family etc visit me so I have never been homesick. It is good to get back – especially in this instance as I am back for my sister’s wedding which is taking place in the village I grew up in. She has a marquee! Shame about the weather, it won’t matter so much after the ceremony but hearing the rain beating down when we are in the church will be a bit of shame!
My wife is Belgian so their weather can be a bit like ours but my son isn’t really used to weather like this, practically every day in Monaco is sunny. We got him some Hunter wellies and he is thoroughly enjoying kicking through the puddles! It is good for him to be here and experience Scotland. I try and teach him Scottish words but obviously he doesn’t have the Scottish accent!

How did you find the transition from racing to commentating?
It has been strange. Although I was used to being interviewed, it didn’t matter so much if I said something wrong or out of turn. I could apologise and walk away, but now it does matter! For me it is a privilege to work for the BBC, that is a big deal.
Do you find it difficult to be critical of the drivers given that your own driving was analysed and criticised?
I try not to be out and out critical – if someone makes a mistake though it is very black or white, they either did or they didn’t, in which case they can’t have an issue with being called on it.
When I am interviewing I try to get something out of the interviewee that the viewers don’t already know. There’s no point talking about an old win that everyone knows about. For example I interviewed a young but well known racer and he told me about his passion for punk music – I feel like that you should be trying to glean something from them that hasn’t ever come up in a previous interview.

Do you think that the industry has changed since you raced?
It definitely has. First of all it is much safer. More precautions are taken to protect the drivers, I don’t think that it has been at the expense of the excitement of the racing however. I think it has become a lot more analytical too.

What is your opinion on the media?
I suppose that in any job there are bits that you like and bits that you don’t like and they pretty much go hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other.

I am sure in your own career you experienced media intrusion, do you think that it is getting worse?
I think in the case of Lewis Hamilton for example, he would know that by dating a Pussycat Doll the press are going to have an extra interest in your life.

If your son turned round and told you that he wanted to go into racing what would you say?
If that was what he wanted to do I would support him. I just want him to be the best that he can be and to be as happy as possible.

Do you think that his mother would have an objection to him racing?
Yes, the same way my mother did with me, but it is important that he follows his dreams. I would love for him to be involved in sport, any sport in some way. To represent your country is an honour and you learn so much about being part of a team and travelling – it really is a great life.

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