David Coulthard

File:Coulthard pacific f3000.JPG car which he drove for Pacific Racing in the 1993 season]]

File:David Coulthard in the paddock for the 1993 British Grand Prix (33645946546) cropped.jpg as Williams test driver]]

Coulthard was born on 27 March 1971 in Twynholm, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, one of three children to road haulier Duncan Coulthard and Elizabeth Joyce Coulthard née Marshall.{{cite web|title=David Coulthard - Hall of Fame - Dumfries and Galloway|url=http://www.dumfries-and-galloway.co.uk/people/coulthard.htm|work=Dumfries and Galloway Online|access-date=19 August 2014}} His family was connected to motor racing: his grandfather competed in the Monte Carlo Rally and his father drove karts, becoming Scottish National Champion.{{cite web|last=Aronsson|first=Erik|title=David Coulthard - A passion for winning|url=http://evolution.skf.com/david-coulthard/|work=Evolution Online|publisher=SKF Group|date=15 December 2011|access-date=19 August 2014}} From an early age motorsport was where his interest lay, later listing Formula One World Champions Jim Clark, Nigel Mansell and Alain Prost as his childhood heroes.{{cite web|last=Saward|first=Joe|title=Interview – David Coulthard|url=http://www.grandprix.com/ft/ft00182.html|work=GrandPrix.com|publisher=Inside F1, Inc.|date=1 September 1994|access-date=17 August 2014|archive-date=3 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140803152030/http://www.grandprix.com/ft/ft00182.html|url-status=dead}} Coulthard was educated at Kirkcudbright Academy, achieving eight O-grades.

Coulthard began karting when his father presented him with his first kart for his eleventh birthday. Having won several local karting championships including the Scottish Junior Kart Championship and the Scottish Kart Championship, Coulthard participated in events further down the UK, including title victory in the Cumbria Kart Racing Club Championship in 1985. Coulthard graded each race he entered on a scale of 1 to 10, with an additional column headlined "Performance". He later gave credit to David Leslie, senior and junior for allowing his career to develop.{{cite web|last=Mclean|first=Kirk|title=Allan McNish part 2|url=http://qosfc.com/HeadlineNews/ViewFullStory/tabid/151/selectmoduleid/498/ArticleID/842/reftab/36/Default.aspx|publisher=Queen of the South Football Club|access-date=10 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323214419/http://qosfc.com/HeadlineNews/ViewFullStory/tabid/151/selectmoduleid/498/ArticleID/842/reftab/36/Default.aspx|archive-date=23 March 2010|date=30 September 2009}}

In 1989, Coulthard made the transition from karting to car racing. It is often erroneously claimed that he won the British Formula Ford Championship that season, however this is not the case. Coulthard actually won the lesser P&O Ferries Formula Ford 1600 Junior championship.

He became the first recipient of the McLaren/Autosport Young Driver of the Year award, which allowed him to test a McLaren Formula One car.{{cite web|title=McLaren Autosport Award|url=http://awards.autosport.com/young-drivers/|work=Autosport|publisher=Haymarket Publications|access-date=17 August 2014}} In 1990, Coulthard travelled to Belgium to compete in the EFDA Nations Cup for Great Britain and was partnered with Nicky Hart, where they finished 9th.{{cite web|title=The Nations Cup|url=http://www.fastlinesinternational.com/Nations%20Cup|work=Fastlines International|access-date=23 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070812095607/http://www.fastlinesinternational.com/Nations%20Cup|archive-date=12 August 2007}} During the year, Coulthard was selected by Vauxhall Motorsport to race in a one-off appearance in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) at Brands Hatch, where he finished 13th (7th in Class). At the time, he was the 2nd youngest driver to race in the series, after Martin Brundle. He did not return to the series after suffering a leg injury in a Formula Vauxhall race at Spa-Francorchamps.{{cite web|last=Hunston|first=Hugh|title=Coulthard will have to push it to the limit one more time McLaren hope to keep up the 1-2 momentum but no special treatment for Hakkinen|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/coulthard-will-have-to-push-it-to-the-limit-one-more-time-mclaren-hope-to-keep-up-the-1-2-momentum-but-no-special-treatment-for-hakkinen-1.274771|work=The Herald|location=Glasgow|publisher=Newsquest|date=28 August 1999|access-date=17 August 2014}}

For 1991, Coulthard signed with Paul Stewart Racing to compete in the British Formula 3 series, taking five victories and finishing second in the Championship behind Rubens Barrichello. Coulthard won the Macau Grand Prix and the Masters of Formula Three. He later traveled to the Fuji Speedway to compete in the annual Formula Three Fuji Cup, taking pole position and finished second behind Jordi Gené.{{cite web|title=Formula 3 Fuji Cup 1991 standings|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/formula-3-fuji-cup/1991/|publisher=driverdb.com|access-date=6 September 2014}}

In 1992, he moved to the International Formula 3000 series, where he suffered from a lack of competitiveness and finished ninth in the championship. For 1993, Coulthard joined Pacific Racing, taking one victory and finishing third in the series.{{cite web|title=Drivers: David Coulthard|url=http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/drv-coudav.html|work=GrandPrix.com|publisher=Inside F1, Inc.|access-date=19 August 2014}} He entered the 24 Hours of Le Mans alongside John Nielsen and David Brabham for the TWR Jaguar Racing team. The trio won the GT Class, although they were later disqualified for a technical infringement.{{cite web|title=Brabham looking for (another) F1 break|url=http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns00752.html|work=GrandPrix.com|publisher=Inside F1, Inc.|date=2 September 1996|access-date=19 August 2014}} He moved to the Vortex team in 1994, which received investment from a private investor, allowing Coulthard to drive for the team. In his first and only race for the team held at Silverstone, Coulthard finished third.{{cite journal|title=Scotch with ice|journal=Motor Sport|publisher=Motor Sport Ltd|issue=April 1995|pages=331–334}}

File:Coulthard Williams.jpg]]

Throughout 1993 and 1994, Coulthard was employed by the Williams team as their official test driver. Main driver Ayrton Senna was killed in the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, meaning Williams would need a second driver. Coulthard received a telephone call from team principal Frank Williams to test the Williams car at Jerez circuit over four days, causing him to miss a Formula 3000 race at Pau.{{cite web|last=Hunston|first=Hugh|title=Coulthard bound for Barcelona to replace Senna|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/coulthard-bound-for-barcelona-to-replace-senna-1.501772|work=The Herald|location=Glasgow|publisher=Newsquest|date=21 May 1994|access-date=23 August 2014}}

Making his début in Spain, Coulthard qualified in eighth position, and was set to score a point before his engine failed 34 laps from the finish. He followed this up by scoring his first points with a fifth-place finish in Canada. Williams dropped Coulthard for the following race in France, allowing 1992 Drivers' Champion Nigel Mansell to make a one-off appearance due to pressure from engine supplier Renault.{{cite book|last=Hill|first=Damon|author-link=Damon Hill|title=Grand Prix Year: Damon Hill - The Inside Story of A Formula One Season|publisher=Macmillan Publishing|date=1995|page=146|isbn= 0-333-62308-8}} The move strained the relationship between Williams and Coulthard{{cite web|title=A Sporting Nation - David Coulthard's best season 2001|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0054/|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|access-date=18 August 2014}} who returned for the British Grand Prix, finishing fifth. For Germany, Williams introduced a revised version of their car, the Williams FW16B. He suffered back to back retirements in the next two races but secured three consecutive points scoring positions—including a podium finish with a second-place in Portugal. Mansell later returned to fill Coulthard's seat for the final three races of the season. Coulthard finished the season in eighth place with Williams first in the Constructors' Championship. For his role, Coulthard was awarded BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year and received an award at the BBC Scottish Sports Personality of the Year.{{cite book|last=Couldwell|first=Clive|title=Formula One: Made in Britain|publisher=Random House|year=2003|isbn=978-1448132-942}}

In November, Coulthard became embroiled in a contract dispute. During the Australian Grand Prix, Coulthard chose to leave Williams and signed a contract with McLaren.{{cite web|title=Coulthard for McLaren|url=http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns00292.html|work=GrandPrix.com|publisher=Inside F1, Inc.|date=25 September 1995|access-date=17 August 2014}} Williams, however, insisted that they had the right to exercise their option to keep Coulthard, who was on a three-year contract with the team.{{cite web|title=Legal formula to solve dispute|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/legal-formula-to-solve-dispute-1.475399|work=The Herald|location=Glasgow|publisher=Newsquest|date=2 December 1994|access-date=17 August 2014}} Coulthard's management argued that the Williams option was not binding. The dispute went to Formula One's Contract Recognition Board, who ruled in favour of Williams on 14 December, forcing Coulthard to stay with the team.{{cite web|last=Fielding|first=Kelvin|title=FIA rules in favour of Williams in Coulthard dispute|url=http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/fia-rules-in-favour-of-williams-in-coulthard-dispute|publisher=Motorsport.com|access-date=17 August 2014|location=Paris|date=14 December 1994|archive-date=1 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701100342/http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/fia-rules-in-favour-of-williams-in-coulthard-dispute/|url-status=dead}}

File:David Coulthard 1995 Britain.jpg]]

In 1995, Coulthard again competed with Williams alongside Damon Hill. He was optimistic for the season, saying: "I'd like to think I can win a Grand Prix this year. That's really my aim, plus to score points in as many races as possible." Coulthard's season started off with controversy when he and Benetton driver Michael Schumacher were disqualified for fuel irregularities in the first round in Brazil, where Coulthard finished second.{{cite news|last=Williams|first=Richard|title=Schumacher and Coulthard Disqualified|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/schumacher-and-coulthard-disqualified-1613059.html|work=The Independent|publisher=Independent Print Limited|date=27 March 1995|access-date=18 August 2014}} On appeal, the original results of both drivers were reinstated.{{cite book|chapter = 1995 Grands Prix: Brazilian Grand Prix|last = Henry|first = Alan|author-link = Alan Henry|title = Autocourse 1995–96|orig-year = 1995|publisher = Hazleton Publishing|isbn = 1-874557-36-5|page = 90|date=December 1995}} The next five races saw four retirements for Coulthard, plus a fourth-place finish in San Marino.{{cite web|title=David Coulthard|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/drivers/david-coulthard/|work=Motor Sport|accessdate=31 July 2021}}

Despite his poor form in the early part of the season, Coulthard secured four consecutive podiums, with a further two consecutive retirements in Belgium and Italy. For Portugal, Williams introduced a revised version of their car, the Williams FW17B.{{cite web|title=Now watch out for Hill|url=http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns00283.html|work=GrandPrix.com|publisher=Inside F1, Inc.|date=18 September 1995|access-date=23 August 2014}} Coulthard took pole position and led a majority of the race to take his first Formula One race victory.{{cite news|last1=Campion|first1=James|last2=Campion|first2=Mary Jo|title=David Coulthard is making solid mark in Formula One|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1955&dat=19951015&id=xiAyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=OqIFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3035,9314566|newspaper=The Reading Eagle|date=15 October 1995|page=D12}} He took a further two podiums at the Nürburgring and Aida he retired in Suzuka and infamously crashed into the pit lane wall while leading in Adelaide.{{cite web|title=1995: Coulthard, David |url=http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/1995/11.html |publisher=Formula One |access-date=19 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218123120/http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/1995/11.html |archive-date=18 February 2014 }} Coulthard finished the season third in the Drivers' Championship, helping Williams secure second place in the Constructors' Championship.{{cite web|title=1995 Formula One Drivers' Championship Standings |url=http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/1995/ |publisher=Formula One |access-date=19 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141120050510/http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/1995/ |archive-date=20 November 2014 }}

File:1996 San Marino David Coulthard.jpg]]

For 1996, Coulthard partnered experienced driver Mika Häkkinen at McLaren, and believed there was a chance of winning races, though a challenge for the World Championship was unlikely until 1997 or 1998.{{cite web|title=Coulthard throws cold water on McLaren hopes|url=http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns00506.html|work=GrandPrix.com|publisher=Inside F1, Inc.|date=4 March 1996|access-date=18 August 2014}} His season started badly; he suffered a throttle issue in Australia, including a collision with Jordan driver Martin Brundle on the first lap. Coulthard spun off in Brazil and finished outside the points in Argentina. However, Coulthard secured a podium at the Nürburgring and led the race in San Marino before suffering a hydraulic failure.

He followed the result with a second-place finish in the wet race at Monaco before suffering a first-lap accident in the wet race in Spain. Before the Canadian Grand Prix, Coulthard signed an extension to his contract that would keep him at McLaren until 1998.{{cite web|title=Coulthard stays at McLaren|url=http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns00632.html|work=GrandPrix.com|publisher=Inside F1, Inc.|date=3 June 1996|access-date=23 August 2014}} Coulthard secured points finishing positions in the next four races, before suffering three consecutive retirements. He rounded these results by finishing outside the points-scoring positions in Portugal and Japan. Coulthard managed to secure seventh place in the Drivers' Championship.

In 1997, Coulthard again partnered Häkkinen at McLaren. He started his season by taking victory in the opening round in Australia.{{cite news|title=Formula One - 1997 race summaries|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/13140.stm|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|date=24 October 1997|access-date=19 August 2014}} Coulthard was unable to score in the next four rounds, due to being involved in a collision in Argentina and contended with unreliability with his car. The factor of unreliability had an impact throughout the season, which became notable in Canada when Coulthard made a pit stop while leading and the car developed clutch problems. He suffered from four more retirements throughout the season, and was able to take victory at the Italian Grand Prix.{{cite web|title=Coulthard wins the Italian Grand Prix|url=http://www.atlasf1.com/news/1997/507.htm|work=Atlas F1|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=7 September 1997|access-date=22 August 2014}} He was able to secure two more podium positions in Austria and Jerez, where Coulthard conceded second place to teammate Häkkinen under team orders.{{cite web|last=Fearnley|first=Paul|title=The understated David Coulthard|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/understated-david-coulthard|work=Motor Sport|publisher=Motor Sport Ltd.|date=25 October 2012|access-date=4 February 2020}} Coulthard managed to finish in third place in the Drivers' Championship, tied on points with Benetton driver Jean Alesi.{{cite web|title=1997 Formula One Drivers' Championship Standings |url=http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/1997/ |publisher=Formula One |access-date=19 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141120050521/http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/1997/ |archive-date=20 November 2014 }}

File:1998 Canadian Grand Prix Coulthard.jpg]]

In 1998, Coulthard remained at McLaren and continued to be partnered by Häkkinen. The season started controversially in Australia for the McLaren team when Coulthard, who was leading let Häkkinen past to win the race. Coulthard later revealed a pre-race agreement by the team that whoever led into the first corner on the first lap would be allowed to win the race.{{cite news|title=Protest lodged against Hakkinen win|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/formula_1/63737.stm|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|date=9 March 1998|access-date=18 August 2014}} However, the race marked a run of consistent results, with Coulthard scoring three further podiums, including victory in San Marino.{{cite web|last=Goren|first=Biranit|title=Coulthard wins San Marino Grand Prix|url=http://www.atlasf1.com/news/1998/680.htm|work=Atlas F1|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=26 April 1998|access-date=18 August 2014}} Coulthard retired from three out of the next four races, and followed this up by taking a further five podiums during the remainder of the season, including a retirement in Italy.{{cite web|title=1998: Coulthard, David |url=http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/1998/11.html |publisher=Formula One |access-date=18 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140623050110/http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/1998/11.html |archive-date=23 June 2014 }}

His only finish outside the points-scoring positions was in Belgium, following a 7th-place finish. In wet conditions, Coulthard initially crashed out on the first lap, triggering an enormous multi-car collision. The race was restarted, and he was later involved in a controversial collision with Michael Schumacher when being lapped, leading to an angry confrontation in the pit lane.{{cite news|title=Hill wins as Schumacher storms out|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/formula_1/161298.stm|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|date=30 August 1998|access-date=17 August 2014}} Coulthard admitted five years later that the accident had been his mistake.{{Cite news |date=7 June 2003 |title=Crash was my fault, Coulthard admits |work=Sydney Morning Herald |agency=Reuters |url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/07/06/1057430084085.html |access-date=28 September 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070623160610/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/07/06/1057430084085.html |archive-date=23 June 2007}}{{Cite news |date=2003-07-06 |title=Coulthard issues stark warning |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/3047680.stm |access-date=2024-02-10 |work=BBC Sport}} Coulthard came third in the Drivers' Championship, behind Schumacher and Häkkinen,{{cite web|title=1998 Formula One Drivers' Championship Standings |url=http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/1998/ |publisher=Formula One |access-date=18 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141120050525/http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/1998/ |archive-date=20 November 2014 }} and helped McLaren clinch the Constructors' Championship.{{cite news|title=Mika wins as Schu let down by puncture|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/formula_1/205429.stm|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|date=2 November 1998|access-date=18 August 2014}} Coulthard was awarded the Hawthorn Memorial Trophy, an annual award given to the most successful British or Commonwealth driver in Formula One over the course of one season.{{cite web|title=David Coulthard wins Hawthorn Memorial Trophy |url=http://www.aemc.org.uk/MSA_03-017_Hawthorn_Memorial_Trophy.pdf |publisher=Motor Sports Association |date=17 July 2003 |access-date=19 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826115352/http://www.aemc.org.uk/MSA_03-017_Hawthorn_Memorial_Trophy.pdf |archive-date=26 August 2014 }}

File:David Coulthard 1999 Canada.jpg]]

Coulthard stayed with McLaren, alongside Häkkinen for 1999. His season got off with two consecutive retirements in Australia and Brazil caused by hydraulics and gearbox failures, respectively. Coulthard managed to clinch second place in San Marino before suffering from another gearbox issue at Monaco. He took his second podium of the year in Spain before Coulthard later finished outside the points-scoring positions in Canada and retired with electrical problems in France.

Coulthard managed to secure six consecutive finishes inside of the points, which included victories in Britain and Belgium and podium finishes in Austria and Hungary. His season was rounded by three consecutive retirements in the final rounds of the season. Overall, Coulthard finished in fourth place in the Drivers' Championship, six points behind Jordan driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen,{{cite web|title=1999 Formula One Drivers' Championship Standings |url=http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/1999/ |publisher=Formula One |access-date=22 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141120050531/http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/1999/ |archive-date=20 November 2014 }} and helped McLaren take second place in the Constructors' Championship.{{cite web|title=1999 Formula One Constructors' Championship Standings |url=http://www.formula1.com/results/team/ |publisher=Formula One |access-date=22 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414232306/http://www.formula1.com/results/team/ |archive-date=14 April 2014 }}

File:David Coulthard 2000 Belgium.jpg]]

For 2000, Coulthard reorganised his schedule for the season, concentrating on his performances and spending less time working on promotional campaigns. Many motorsport critics labelled 2000 as Coulthard's "make or break" year.{{cite news|title=Coulthard: Scotland's fastest man|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/motorsport/733570.stm|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|date=2 May 2000|access-date=19 August 2014}}

The first rounds of the season proved difficult for Coulthard; In the opening round in Australia, he retired from engine problems, and finished second in Brazil, before being disqualified as the front wing endplates on his car 7mm lower than the required 50mm above the reference plane.{{cite web|title=Coulthard Disqualified from the Brazilian GP|url=http://www.atlasf1.com/news/2000/mar/2193.htm|work=Atlas F1|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=26 March 2000|access-date=19 August 2014}} Coulthard overcame these setbacks and finished on the podium in the next five races, which included victories in Britain and Monaco. In June, Coulthard signed an extension to his contract, confirming he would remain at McLaren for 2001.{{cite web|title=Coulthard signs new one-year deal at McLaren|url=http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns02492.html|work=GrandPrix.com|publisher=Inside F1, Inc.|date=30 June 2000|access-date=20 August 2014}} A non-points scoring finish in Canada, followed victory in France, a victory which he later described as the most memorable of his career which also happened to be McLaren's only ever win at the Magny-Cours circuit.{{cite news|title=David Coulthard Q&A|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/4756002.stm|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=7 March 2006|access-date=21 August 2014}} A hat-trick of podiums followed in the next three rounds and secured a fourth-place finish in Belgium. Coulthard was involved in a multi-car collision on the first lap in Italy. This would be marked by scoring points in the final three rounds, including podiums in Japan and Malaysia. Coulthard finished third in the Drivers' Championship, with 73 points, and McLaren finished second in the Constructors' Champions. For his efforts during the season, Coulthard was awarded his second Hawthorn Memorial Trophy.

File:Schumacher + Coulthard + Trulli + Panis 2001 Canada.jpg]]

McLaren team principal Ron Dennis was ambitious about Coulthard's prospects for the new season, saying: "David is extremely fired up. He's strong and wants to test as much as possible. I honestly feel that David can win the world championship this year."{{cite web|title=Dennis backs Coulthard|url=http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns03519.html|work=GrandPrix.com|publisher=Inside F1, Inc.|date=14 January 2001|access-date=18 August 2014}} Coulthard performed well in the first seven races, scoring forty points, including victories in Brazil and Austria. In Canada, he suffered his first retirement of the season when his car developed engine problems while running in fourth position.{{cite web|title=Canadian Grand Prix: Ralf leads home Schumacher double|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/3007099/Canadian-Grand-Prix-Ralf-leads-home-Schumacher-double.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/3007099/Canadian-Grand-Prix-Ralf-leads-home-Schumacher-double.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=The Telegraph|date=10 June 2001|access-date=18 August 2014}}{{cbignore}} Coulthard followed his non-finish with a podium at the Nürburgring and by finishing fourth in France.

The remaining seven races saw Coulthard retire on three more occasions and achieved four more podium positions—in Hungary, Belgium, the United States and Japan. Overall, Coulthard secured a career best second place in the Drivers' Championship, 58 points behind World Champion Michael Schumacher. As a result, Coulthard was awarded with his second consecutive Hawthorn Memorial Trophy, and third overall (1998, 2000 and 2001).

The 2002 season was the first in which Coulthard was the more experienced driver in his team. He was optimistic for the new season, saying: "If they need an opinion then they have to come to me this year. In the past they didn't. But that said, it's important for me not to get bogged down in the history of what happened in the past. We just have to go forward."{{cite web|title=Coulthard upbeat about new season prospects|url=http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns05526.html|work=GrandPrix.com|publisher=Inside F1, Inc.|date=19 January 2002|access-date=17 August 2014}} He endured a torrid start: Coulthard's car suffered from gearbox issues and retired after 35 laps;{{cite web|title=Grand Prix Results: Australian GP, 2002|url=http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr681.html|work=GrandPrix.com|publisher=Inside F1, Inc.|date=3 March 2002|access-date=17 August 2014}} and in the following race in Malaysia, both cars retired from engine failure after 24 laps.{{cite news|title=Couthard rues 'terrible' weekend|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/1877447.stm|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=17 March 2002|access-date=17 August 2014}} Two weeks later in the Brazilian Grand Prix, Coulthard secured his first podium of the season with a third-place finish. The start managed to get better as Coulthard took four consecutive finishes inside of the points; this included his only victory of the season in Monaco.{{cite news|title=Coulthard Wins in Monaco|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/27/sports/auto-racing-coulthard-wins-in-monaco.html|work=The New York Times|date=27 May 2002|access-date=19 August 2014}}

At the Canadian Grand Prix, Coulthard took his second consecutive podium by finishing second.{{cite web|last=Henry|first=Alan|title=Don't write us off, say Team Coulthard|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2002/jun/11/formulaone.formulaone2002|work=The Guardian|date=11 June 2002|access-date=21 August 2014}} He retired from the next race at the Nürburgring due to a collision with Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya.{{cite news|title=Coulthard: Montoya needs to cool it|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2061317.stm|work=BBC Sport|publisher=British Broadcasting Company|date=23 June 2002|access-date=21 August 2014}} This marked a turning point as Coulthard managed to finish five out of the next eight races in the points with a non-finish at the final round of the season in Japan. Coulthard finished the season fifth in the Drivers' Championship, with 41 points. Coulthard was awarded his third consecutive Hawthorn Memorial Trophy for his efforts during the 2002 season.

Coulthard was again partnered at McLaren by Kimi Räikkönen for 2003. Former World Drivers' Champion Niki Lauda aired his doubts over Coulthard's ability to handle pressure from teammate Räikkönen over the coming season, saying: "Coulthard has the advantage of experience - as I did over Prost - but in qualifying Räikkönen has put him under a lot of pressure."{{cite news|title=Coulthard 'faces tough 2003'|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2335917.stm|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=17 October 2002|access-date=21 August 2014}}

Coulthard began the season by taking victory in Australia and retired in Malaysia when his car developed an electrical problem. He managed to take back-to-back points in Brazil and San Marino as he was retired from a collision in Spain. In August, Coulthard signed an extension to his contract that would keep him at McLaren until 2004.{{cite news|last=Benson|first=Andrew|title=Coulthard stays at McLaren|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/3173463.stm|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=22 August 2003|access-date=17 August 2014}} Coulthard was able to secure two more podium positions in Germany and Japan. Coulthard finished seventh in the Drivers' Championship, scoring 51 points. After the season's conclusion, McLaren announced that Coulthard would be dropped at the end of 2004 and replaced by Juan Pablo Montoya.{{cite web|last=Henry|first=Alan|title=Montoya edges out Coulthard at McLaren|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/nov/18/formulaone.formulaone2003|work=The Guardian|date=18 November 2003|access-date=21 August 2014}} Coulthard earned his fourth consecutive Hawthorn Memorial Trophy for his efforts during the season.

File:Coulthard 2004 Canada.jpg]]

Coulthard went into the 2004 season with McLaren knowing he would lose his seat at the end of the year. However, he insisted he had his team's backing,{{cite news|title=McLaren get behind Coulthard|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/3445963.stm|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=30 January 2004|access-date=21 August 2014}} and pledged that his approach for 2004 would be more aggressive.{{cite news|last=Agence France-Presse|title=Coulthard set to enjoy McLaren swansong|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-01-29/coulthard-set-to-enjoy-mclaren-swansong/127322|work=ABC News|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=29 January 2004|access-date=21 August 2014}} He endured a consistent start: Coulthard secured two consecutive points finishes in the opening two races in Australia and Malaysia, despite being off the pace. During the race in Bahrain, both McLaren drivers were forced into retirement due to engine failures after fifty laps.{{cite web|title=Grand Prix Results: Bahrain GP, 2004|url=http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr716.html|work=GrandPrix.com|publisher=Inside F1, Inc.|date=4 April 2004|access-date=21 August 2014}} Coulthard did not score in the next four races, which included consecutive retirements in Monaco and at the Nürburgring. He was able to take points scoring positions at the next two races in Canada and the United States.

McLaren introduced a revised version of their car the McLaren MP4-19B in France.{{cite web|title=McLaren to debut new car|url=http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=30542|work=itv-f1.com|publisher=ITV Plc|date=30 June 2004|access-date=21 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040703002403/http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=30542|archive-date=3 July 2004}} The change of car improved reliability and results, helping Coulthard to achieve sixth place during the Grand Prix, and secured further points in four more races over the course of the season, only suffering from one further non-finish from a collision with Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello in Japan.{{cite news|title=Schumi storms to Japan win|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/3730640.stm|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=10 October 2004|access-date=21 August 2014}} Overall, Coulthard finished tenth in the Drivers' Championship, equal on points with Ralf Schumacher,{{cite web|title=2004 Formula One Drivers' Championship Standings |url=http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2004/ |publisher=Formula One |access-date=21 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712163915/http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2004/ |archive-date=12 July 2014 }} and did not score any podium finishes during the season.

File:Coulthard RedBull Canada2005.jpg]]

Following the purchase of the Jaguar team by Red Bull, Coulthard announced on 17 December 2004 that he would move to Red Bull for the 2005 season. He signed a one-year deal for a reported £1.8 million to drive alongside Austrian driver Christian Klien.{{cite web|last=Henry|first=Alan|title=Coulthard signs for year with Red Bull|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2004/dec/18/formulaone.formulaone2004|work=The Guardian|date=18 December 2004|access-date=17 August 2014}} Coulthard was offered a testing role at Ferrari, which he declined as he decided to remain in a race seat.{{cite news|title=Coulthard rejected Ferrari test|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/4247383.stm|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=8 February 2005|access-date=18 August 2014}}

Coulthard began the season by scoring points in four of the first five races. Before the San Marino Grand Prix, Klien was replaced by Red Bull test driver Vitantonio Liuzzi who partnered Coulthard for the next four races.{{cite news|agency=Reuters|title=Liuzzi given a chance to take the Red Bull by the horns|newspaper=ABC News|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2005-04-06/liuzzi-given-a-chance-to-take-the-red-bull-by-the/1546890|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=6 April 2005|access-date=19 August 2014}} The forced withdrawal of all teams using Michelin tyres, including Red Bull, at the controversial United States Grand Prix, meant Coulthard did not start a race for the first time in his career.{{cite news|last=Benson|first=Andrew|title=Formula farce nears end of road|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/4110170.stm|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=20 June 2005|access-date=19 August 2014}} In July, it was announced that Coulthard would remain at Red Bull for 2006.{{cite web|last=Garside|first=Kevin|title=New Coulthard contract a bonus for Red Bull|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2362058/New-Coulthard-contract-a-bonus-for-Red-Bull.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2362058/New-Coulthard-contract-a-bonus-for-Red-Bull.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=The Telegraph|date=6 July 2005|access-date=18 August 2014}}{{cbignore}} This marked a turning point in his season as Coulthard did not score points in six of the nine remaining races. He achieved points three times during this period—in Germany, Turkey and Japan. He finished the season in twelfth place with Red Bull seventh in the Constructors' Championship.

File:David Coulthard USA 2006.jpg]]

Coulthard stayed with Red Bull in 2006, and continued to be partnered by Klien. Coulthard started his season by scoring one point in the first six races and retired three times. Coulthard secured Red Bull Racing's first podium position by finishing 3rd in Monaco.{{cite web|last=Garside|first=Kevin|title=Bullish Coulthard back on podium|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/kevingarside/2337588/Bullish-Coulthard-back-on-podium.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/kevingarside/2337588/Bullish-Coulthard-back-on-podium.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=The Telegraph|date=29 May 2006|access-date=23 August 2014}}{{cbignore}} He managed to finish in the next ten races he entered which included finishing in the points in Canada, the United States and Hungary.

In August, it was announced that Coulthard had extended his contract with Red Bull for 2007 and would be partnered by Williams driver Mark Webber.{{cite web|title=Webber to join Coulthard at Red Bull Racing |url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2006/8/4788.html |publisher=Formula One |date=7 August 2006 |access-date=18 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111224061530/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2006/8/4788.html |archive-date=24 December 2011 }} Before the Chinese Grand Prix, Klien lost his seat at Red Bull, so Coulthard was partnered with Robert Doornbos.{{cite web|title=Matador no more - Klien bids Red Bull farewell |url=http://www.formula1.com/news/features/2006/9/4965.html |publisher=Formula One |date=15 September 2006 |access-date=21 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014002243/http://www.formula1.com/news/features/2006/9/4965.html |archive-date=14 October 2012 }} Coulthard finished the season by finishing 13th in the Drivers' Championship, with 14 points.

File:David Coulthard 2007 Britain 2.jpg]]

Coulthard continued as a driver at Red Bull in 2007, partnered by Webber. He endured a torrid start in the first three races due to reliability problems and an accident.{{cite web|last=Elizalde|first=Pablo|title=Coulthard apologises to Wurz|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/57454|work=Autosport|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=18 March 2007|access-date=21 August 2014}}{{cite web|last=Elizalde|first=Pablo|title=Coulthard hit by brake pedal problem|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/57927|work=Autosport|publisher=Haymarket Publishing|date=8 April 2007|access-date=21 August 2014}}{{cite web|title=Driveshaft failure halts aggressive Coulthard|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20070415/f1/driveshaft-failure-halts-aggressive-coulthard.183194|work=The Times|location=Malta|publisher=Allied Newspapers Limited|date=15 April 2007|access-date=6 September 2014}} He was able to score his first points of the season by taking fifth position in Spain.{{cite web|title=Grand Prix Results: Spanish GP 2007|url=http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr772.html|work=GrandPrix.com|publisher=Inside F1, Inc.|date=13 May 2007|access-date=21 August 2014}} Coulthard finished outside the points, with consecutive retirements in Canada and the United States, before he secured fifth position in the European Grand Prix. In July, it was announced that Coulthard would remain with Red Bull in 2008.{{cite web|title=Red Bull confirm Coulthard for 2008 |url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/7/6417.html |publisher=Formula One |date=6 July 2007 |access-date=23 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080323235542/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/7/6417.html |archive-date=23 March 2008 }} Coulthard secured tenth position in the Drivers' Championship, with 14 points.

File:David Coulthard 2008 Europe.jpg]]

Coulthard started the season with a retirement after colliding with Ferrari driver Felipe Massa.{{cite web|agency=Reuters|title=Massa says he'll apologize when he does something wrong|url=https://www.espn.com/racing/racing/f1/news/story?id=3303036|publisher=ESPN|date=2 April 2008|access-date=23 August 2014}} In Malaysia Coulthard suffered from a suspension failure on his car during practice which resulted in Red Bull placed under investigation for car safety.{{cite web|title=Coulthard misses P2, Red Bull summoned by stewards |url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/3/7529.html |publisher=Formula One |date=21 March 2008 |access-date=6 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105025228/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/3/7529.html |archive-date=5 November 2012 }} Coulthard was later cleared to race, and managed to secure 9th.{{cite web|last=Aikman|first=Richard|title=Raikkonen claims Malaysian win|website=TheGuardian.com|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/mar/23/motorsports.formulaone1|date=23 March 2008|access-date=6 September 2014}} He was unable to score points until Canada, when he finished on the podium in 3rd. Before the British Grand Prix, where he retired on the first lap when he was hit by Toro Rosso driver Sebastian Vettel, Coulthard announced that he would retire from Formula One at the end of the season, though he would remain at Red Bull as a testing and development consultant.{{cite web|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68798 |title=Coulthard announces retirement from F1 |author=Pablo Elizalde |work=Autosport |publisher=Haymarket Publishing |date=3 July 2008 |access-date=17 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090504020642/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68798 |archive-date=4 May 2009 |url-status=live}}

Over the next five races, Coulthard was able to finish albeit outside the points-scoring positions. He took the final points of his career with seventh place in Singapore.{{cite web|title=Coulthard scoops seventh in Singapore|url=http://www.gallowaygazette.co.uk/sport/local-sport/coulthard-scoops-seventh-in-singapore-1-335033|work=The Galloway Gazette|publisher=Johnston Publishing|date=29 September 2008|access-date=6 September 2014|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924020538/http://www.gallowaygazette.co.uk/sport/local-sport/coulthard-scoops-seventh-in-singapore-1-335033|url-status=dead}} In his final race in Brazil, Coulthard's Red Bull RB4 was decorated in the colours of "Wings for Life", a charity dedicated to raising awareness of spinal cord injuries.{{cite web|url=http://www.itv-f1.com/news_article.aspx?id=44444|title=DC to run charity livery at finale|work=ITV-F1.com|publisher=ITV plc|date=30 October 2008|access-date=21 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081103114253/http://www.itv-f1.com/news_article.aspx?id=44444|archive-date=3 November 2008|url-status=dead}} He was unable to finish the race, when his car was hit by Williams driver Nico Rosberg and Coulthard's car was sent into the path of Rosberg's teammate Kazuki Nakajima.{{cite web|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/11/8634.html |title=Coulthard 'gutted' after last Grand Prix ends in retirement |publisher=Formula One |date=2 November 2008 |access-date=21 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081106050343/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/11/8634.html |archive-date=6 November 2008 }}

File:2008 ROC KTM X-BOW.jpg, where he finished as runner-up in the Drivers' Cup]]

On 4 December 2004, Coulthard participated in his first Race of Champions for Great Britain alongside 1995 World Rally Champion Colin McRae.{{Cite web|date=29 September 2004|title=DC and McRae sign up for ROC|url=https://www.autosport.com/general/news/dc-and-mcrae-sign-up-for-roc-5003571/5003571/|url-status=live|access-date=31 July 2021|website=Autosport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731204519/https://www.autosport.com/general/news/dc-and-mcrae-sign-up-for-roc-5003571/5003571/ |archive-date=31 July 2021 }} Coulthard was eliminated in the quarter-finals of the racing group having taken a time penalty, losing to Heikki Kovalainen. Coulthard and McRae were again chosen to compete in 2005, when the event was held in Stade de France.{{Cite web|date=21 October 2005|title=Race of Champions 2005|url=https://www.eurosport.com/motorsports/race-of-champions/2005/race-of-champions-2005_sto780490/story.shtml|access-date=31 July 2021|publisher=Eurosport}} Coulthard was eliminated in the first round by Tom Kristensen and Great Britain were defeated by France in the semi-finals of the Nations Cup.{{Cite web|date=4 October 2005|title=Nations Cup Results|url=https://www.eurosport.com/motorsports/race-of-champions/2005/nations-cup-results_sto797976/story.shtml|access-date=31 July 2021|publisher=Eurosport}}{{Cite web|date=4 December 2005|title=A perfect end to a perfect season for Sébastien Loeb, the 2005 'Champion of Champions'!|url=http://www.raceofchampions.com/_press/releases_2005/rel_03122005gb-2.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060513030001/http://www.raceofchampions.com/_press/releases_2005/rel_03122005gb-2.htm|archive-date=13 May 2006|access-date=31 July 2021|publisher=Race of Champions}} In 2006, Coulthard was eliminated in the quarter-finals stage by Yvan Muller.{{Cite web|date=16 December 2006|title=Ekström creates the upset in Paris to win the 2006 Race of Champions|url=http://www.raceofchampions.com/_press/releases_2006/rel_16122006-3gb.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070308052343/http://www.raceofchampions.com/_press/releases_2006/rel_16122006-3gb.htm|archive-date=8 March 2007|access-date=31 July 2021|publisher=Race of Champions}}

For 2007, Alister McRae partnered Coulthard after Colin McRae was killed in a helicopter crash. For the second consecutive year, Coulthard was eliminated at the quarter-final stage, this time by Sébastien Bourdais. On 30 October 2008, Coulthard was announced as one of the competitors of the event in 2008 for F1 Racing Great Britain, held at Wembley Stadium on 14 December.{{cite web|last=Poole|first=Adam|title=David Coulthard Signs Up for Race of Champions|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/76106-david-coulthard-signs-up-for-race-of-champions|work=Bleacher Report|publisher=Turner Broadcasting System|date=1 November 2008|access-date=21 August 2014}} He reached the final of the Drivers' Cup and lost out to World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb.{{cite web|title=Vettel and Schumacher win ROC Nations Cup |url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/12/8778.html |publisher=Formula One |date=15 December 2008 |access-date=21 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415063552/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/12/8778.html |archive-date=15 April 2012 }} In 2009, Coulthard raced for the All-Stars team alongside Giniel de Villiers.{{Cite web|last=Panzariu|first=Ovidiu|date=22 October 2009|title=Coulthard Confirms Presence at Race of Champions|url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/coulthard-confirms-presence-at-race-of-champions-12323.html|url-status=live|access-date=31 July 2021|website=Auto Evolution|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026090053/http://www.autoevolution.com:80/news/coulthard-confirms-presence-at-race-of-champions-12323.html |archive-date=26 October 2009 }} The pair were eliminated in Group B of the Nations Cup, and Coulthard was defeated in the quarter-finals of the World Finals by Sebastian Vettel.{{Cite web|date=4 November 2009|title=The Race of Champions: Beijing|url=http://www.raceofchampions.com/download/Mzg2OQ==|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091109110006/http://www.raceofchampions.com/download/Mzg2OQ==|archive-date=9 November 2009|access-date=31 July 2021|publisher=Race of Champions}}

Coulthard did not participate in 2010 and was replaced by BTCC driver Jason Plato.{{cite web|title=Touring Car star Jason Plato to race for Team GB|url=http://www.raceofchampions.com/News/general-news/touring-car-star-jason-plato-to-race-for-team-gb.aspx#.U_dEVqPdLAk|work=Race of Champions|publisher=International Media Productions|date=8 November 2010|access-date=22 August 2014|archive-date=13 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113171704/http://www.raceofchampions.com/News/general-news/touring-car-star-jason-plato-to-race-for-team-gb.aspx#.U_dEVqPdLAk|url-status=dead}} Coulthard returned for 2011, joining the All-Stars team alongside Filipe Albuquerque. Neither driver achieved success at the competition.{{Cite web|date=3 December 2011|title=Race of Champions: Germany wins Nations Cup; Ogier claims individual crown|url=https://www.autoweek.com/racing/more-racing/a1987346/race-champions-germany-wins-nations-cup-ogier-claims-individual-crown/|url-status=live|access-date=31 July 2021|website=Autoweek|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418093316/https://www.autoweek.com/racing/more-racing/a1987346/race-champions-germany-wins-nations-cup-ogier-claims-individual-crown/ |archive-date=18 April 2021 }} In 2012, Coulthard remained in the Race of Champions and returned to compete for Great Britain, partnering Andy Priaulx.{{Cite web|last=Dale|first=William|date=2012|title=Speed's ultimate guide to the 2012 Race of Champions in Bangkok|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/speeds-ultimate-guide-to-the-2012-race-of-champions-in-bangkok/news-story/627849ed99887407c3fca0fb0db42b2c|url-status=live|access-date=31 July 2021|publisher=Fox Sports Australia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731204520/https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/speeds-ultimate-guide-to-the-2012-race-of-champions-in-bangkok/news-story/627849ed99887407c3fca0fb0db42b2c |archive-date=31 July 2021 }} The pairing were eliminated in the group stages,{{Cite web|date=15 December 2012|title=Team Germany win sixth ROC Nations Cup|url=http://www.raceofchampions.com/News/general-news/team-germany-win-sixth-roc-nations-cup.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121218034614/http://www.raceofchampions.com/News/general-news/team-germany-win-sixth-roc-nations-cup.aspx|archive-date=18 December 2012|access-date=31 July 2021|publisher=Race of Champions}} with Coulthard being eliminated during the semi-finals by Kristensen in the Drivers' Cup.{{Cite web|date=16 December 2012|title=Grosjean crowned 2012 Champion of Champions|url=http://www.raceofchampions.com/News/general-news/grosjean-crowned-2012-champion-of-champions.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219065814/http://www.raceofchampions.com/News/general-news/grosjean-crowned-2012-champion-of-champions.aspx|archive-date=19 December 2012|access-date=31 July 2021|publisher=Race of Champions}}

For 2013, Coulthard was to be partnered by Williams development driver Susie Wolff, the first female competitor in the history of the Race of Champions.{{cite web|title=Wollf becomes first female driver in Race of Champions|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/wolff-becomes-first-female-driver-in-race-of-champions.22605981|work=The Herald|location=Glasgow|publisher=Herald & Times Group|date=5 November 2013|access-date=21 August 2014}} However, two weeks before the event was due to take place in Bangkok, the Sports Authority of Thailand and Race of Champions organisers announced the event would be cancelled due to political unrest in Thailand.{{cite web|last=Tremayne|first=Sam|title=Race of Champions cancelled due to unrest in Thailand|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/111695|work=Autosport|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=2 December 2013|access-date=21 August 2014}} For 2014, Coulthard went onto the Nation's Cup with Wolff and the pair reached the final, finishing runner-up to Team Nordic's Tom Kristensen and Petter Solberg. Coulthard then went on to win the Driver's Cup after beating Pascal Wehrlein in the final to claim his first Race of Champions Driver's title. He went on to beat Solberg to win the 2018 Race of Champions.{{Cite web|last=Bonkowski|first=Jerry|date=4 February 2018|title=F1 veteran David Coulthard wins Race of Champions; Newgarden, Montoya, Castroneves fall short|url=https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2018/02/04/f1-veteran-david-coulthard-wins-race-of-champions-newgarden-montoya-castroneves-fall-short/|url-status=live|access-date=31 July 2021|website=NBC Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206220126/http://motorsports.nbcsports.com:80/2018/02/04/f1-veteran-david-coulthard-wins-race-of-champions-newgarden-montoya-castroneves-fall-short/ |archive-date=6 February 2018 }}

On 25 November 2008, it was announced that Coulthard would join the BBC as a pundit alongside Jake Humphrey and Eddie Jordan for the broadcaster's coverage of Formula One.{{cite web|last=Henry|first=Alan|title=Coulthard and Jordan join BBC Formula One team|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/nov/25/formulaone-motorsports|work=The Guardian|date=25 November 2008|access-date=18 August 2014}} With the departure of commentator Jonathan Legard at the end of 2010, Coulthard was announced as a co-commentator alongside Brundle, after undergoing successful screen tests.{{cite news|title=Martin Brundle & David Coulthard to be F1 commentators|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9355081.stm|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=11 January 2011|access-date=18 August 2014}} He also writes a regular column for The Daily Telegraph and BBC Sport.{{Cite web|last=Da Silva|first=Michael|date=26 October 2015|title=Lewis Hamilton: 'Senna of his generation' or just the guy in 'the most superior car ever'?|url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/formula-1/how-the-media-reacted-to-lewis-hamilton-s-world-title-win_sto4966362/story.shtml|url-status=live|access-date=31 July 2021|publisher=Eurosport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028201839/http://www.eurosport.co.uk:80/formula-1/how-the-media-reacted-to-lewis-hamilton-s-world-title-win_sto4966362/story.shtml |archive-date=28 October 2015 }}{{Cite web|last=Lifona|first=Daniel G.|date=30 September 2015|title=David Coulthard: "Alonso could walk away from McLaren at any time if he isn't happy"|url=https://www.marca.com/en/2015/09/30/en/more_sports/1443642981.html|url-status=live|access-date=31 July 2021|website=Marca|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002015123/http://www.marca.com:80/en/2015/09/30/en/more_sports/1443642981.html |archive-date=2 October 2015 }}

In 2016, Coulthard left the BBC to join Channel 4 after the BBC abandoned its coverage of Formula One. With Channel 4 he continued to commentate and be a co-presenter of their Formula One coverage. Coulthard co-owns Whisper Films, along with former co-presenter Jake Humphrey, and the production company was chosen by Channel 4 to produce its coverage of all of its races.{{cite web |url=http://www.channel4.com/info/press/news/channel-4-awards-formula-one-production-contract-to-whisper-films |title=Channel 4 awards Formula One production contract to Whisper Films |date=11 January 2016 |publisher=Channel 4 |access-date=24 March 2016}} He was offered a presenting role on Top Gear alongside Jordan but turned down the offer because "Channel 4 pulled a blinder".{{cite web |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/david-coulthard-rejected-top-gear-7533384 |title=David Coulthard turned down Top Gear after Channel 4 pulled a blinder with Formula One role |date=10 March 2016 |work=Mirror|access-date=13 June 2016}}

For the 2017 Mexico City ePrix he made a guest appearance as an analyst for Channel 5 coverage.{{Cite web|last=Nelson|first=David|date=30 March 2017|title=Scheduling: The 2017 Mexico City ePrix|url=https://motorsportbroadcasting.com/2017/03/30/scheduling-the-2017-mexico-city-eprix/|url-status=live|access-date=31 July 2021|website=Motorsport Broadcasting|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922100558/https://motorsportbroadcasting.com/2017/03/30/scheduling-the-2017-mexico-city-eprix/ |archive-date=22 September 2020 }} On 10 October 2018, Coulthard was announced as a spokesperson and advisory board member of the forthcoming W Series, a racing championship for women based on Formula 3-homologated Tatuus T-318 chassis.{{Cite web|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/coulthard-backed-womens-racing-series-launched/|title=David Coulthard-backed women's racing series launched {{!}} PlanetF1|website=www.planetf1.com|date=10 October 2018|language=en|access-date=27 October 2018}} He was also a co-commentator for W Series.{{Cite web|last=Horton|first=Philip|date=26 May 2021|title=W Series remains on Channel 4 for 2021 return|url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/2021/05/26/w-series-remains-on-channel-4-for-2021-return/|url-status=live|access-date=31 July 2021|website=Motorsport Week|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526072851/https://www.motorsportweek.com/2021/05/26/w-series-remains-on-channel-4-for-2021-return/ |archive-date=26 May 2021 }}

In 2023 he launched a podcast, called Formula For Success, with his BBC and Channel 4 co-presenter Eddie Jordan.url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/broadcasting/david-coulthard-and-eddie-jordan-launch-f1-podcast/5179842.article | title=David Coulthard and Eddie Jordan launch F1 podcast | date=3 March 2023 The podcasts featured a mix of reactions to current affairs in Formula 1 as well as reminiscing on the past, often with guests from F1's history. Following the announcement of the death of Eddie Jordan on 20 March 2025, the future of the podcast appears unclear.{{cite web|title=Tributes as former F1 team boss Eddie Jordan dies aged 76 - BBC Sport|date=20 March 2025|website=bbc.co.uk/sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/cj92g79pelkt?post=asset%3A2019037f-5890-4f6e-a8aa-f7d025558c08#post|access-date=20 March 2025}}

Following his retirement from Formula 1 with Red Bull in 2008, Coulthard remained contracted with the company as a brand ambassador frequently performing demonstration runs of various Formula 1 cars as part of fan events and promotional materials, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed.{{cite web|title=David Coulthard (Red Bull)|website=davidcoulthard.co.uk|url=https://davidcoulthard.co.uk/red-bull.html|access-date=9 March 2025}}{{cite web|title='Imposter' David Coulthard speaks ahead of Red Bull run at Goodwood|website=planetf1.com|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/imposter-david-coulthard-red-bull-run-goodwood|access-date=9 March 2025}} Coulthard also works as an ambassador for Red Bull's spinal injuries charity Wings For Life, as well as the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen, the Swiss investment bank UBS and the transportation interior designers Transcal.{{cite web|title=David Coulthard (Wings for Life)|website=davidcoulthard.co.uk|url=https://davidcoulthard.co.uk/wings-for-life.html|access-date=9 March 2025}}{{cite web|title=David Coulthard (IWC)|website=davidcoulthard.co.uk|url=https://davidcoulthard.co.uk/iwc.html|access-date=9 March 2025}}{{cite web|title=David Coulthard (UBS)|website=davidcoulthard.co.uk|url=https://davidcoulthard.co.uk/ubs.html|access-date=9 March 2025}}{{cite web|title=David Coulthard (Transcal)|website=davidcoulthard.co.uk|url=https://davidcoulthard.co.uk/transcal.html|access-date=9 March 2025}}

File:DTM Mercedes W204 Coulthard 2010 2 amk.jpg

On 4 April 2010, Coulthard announced a return to motor racing when he secured a contract to drive for Mücke Motorsport and would be partnered by Maro Engel.{{cite web|last=Beer|first=Matt|title=Coultahrd seals Mercedes DTM drive|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/82639|work=Autosport|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=3 April 2010|access-date=22 August 2014}} Coulthard started the season by finishing in the first two races and retired from a collision in Lausitz. He managed to secure a further five consecutive finishes, although he did not score points in these races. Coulthard retired on the first lap of the next race at the Hockenheimring when he was involved in a multi-car collision.{{cite web|title=Paul Di Resta claims third season victory at Hockenheim |url=http://www.dtm.com/en/News/Paul-Di-Resta-claims-third-season-victory-at-Hockenheim.html |work=dtm.com |publisher=Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters |date=17 October 2010 |access-date=22 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826120343/http://www.dtm.com/en/News/Paul-Di-Resta-claims-third-season-victory-at-Hockenheim.html |archive-date=26 August 2014 }} Coulthard rounded out the season with an eighth-place finish in Shanghai.{{cite web|last=Thomas|first=Martyn|title=DC ends DTM season on high as Di Resta secures title|url=http://www.redbull.com/cs/Satellite/en_INT/Article/DC-ends-DTM-season-on-high-as-Di-Resta-secures-title-021242931714947|work=redbull.com|publisher=Red Bull|date=28 November 2010|access-date=22 August 2014}} Coulthard finished 16th in the Drivers' Championship, with one point.

On 6 April 2011, it was announced that Coulthard would be retained by Mücke and would once again be partnered by Engel. Coulthard stated at 2010 was his "apprenticeship year" and pledged during 2011, that he would become more competitive.{{cite web|title=Coulthard and Schumacher to race for Mercedes-Benz |url=http://www.dtm.com/en/News/Coulthard-and-Schumacher-to-race-for-Mercedes-Benz.html |work=dtm.com |publisher=Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters |date=6 April 2011 |access-date=22 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826113703/http://www.dtm.com/en/News/Coulthard-and-Schumacher-to-race-for-Mercedes-Benz.html |archive-date=26 August 2014 }} Coulthard started off his season by finishing in the first four races, albeit outside the points-scoring positions. He secured his only points of the year at the fifth race of the season at the Norisring, where he finished 8th.{{cite web|last=Clark|first=John|title=Bruno Spengler Wins DTM Race at Norisring|url=http://www.emercedesbenz.com/autos/mercedes-benz/motorsports/bruno-spengler-wins-dtm-race-at-norisring/attachment/mercedes-benz-dtm-845449_1568732_4488_2992__47e5246/|work=emercedesbenz.com|publisher=Mercedes-Benz|date=5 July 2011|access-date=22 August 2014}} The remainder of the season saw Coulthard finish every race, although he was disqualified from the race at Ricardo Tormo as his car's rear wing was found to have been incorrectly mounted during the qualifying session.{{cite web|last=Bouman|first=Berthold|title=Ekstrom wins but Tomczyk takes the 2011 DTM title in Valencia|url=http://www.motorsport.com/dtm/news/dtm-ekstrom-wins-but-tomczyk-takes-the-2011-dtm-title-in-valencia-2/|work=motorsport.com|date=2 October 2011|access-date=22 August 2014|archive-date=19 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319044646/https://www.motorsport.com/dtm/news/dtm-ekstrom-wins-but-tomczyk-takes-the-2011-dtm-title-in-valencia-2/412650/|url-status=dead}} For the second consecutive year, Coulthard finished 16th in the Drivers' Championship, with one point.

On 29 February 2012, it was announced that Coulthard would once again be retained by Mücke and would be partnered by Robert Wickens.{{cite web|title=Coulthard to race the new DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé, in 2012 |url=http://www.dtm.com/en/News/Coulthard-to-race-the-new-DTM-Mercedes-AMG-C-Coupe-in-2012.html |work=dtm.com |publisher=Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters |date=29 February 2012 |access-date=22 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826120525/http://www.dtm.com/en/News/Coulthard-to-race-the-new-DTM-Mercedes-AMG-C-Coupe-in-2012.html |archive-date=26 August 2014 }} Coulthard finished in the points with 8th position in the opening round held at the Hockenheimring. He did not score points in the next three races, which included a retirement at the Red Bull Ring.{{cite web|title=Edorard Mortara scores maiden DTM race win at Spielberg |url=http://www.dtm.com/en/News/Edoardo-Mortara-scores-maiden-DTM-race-win-at-Spielberg.html |work=dtm.com |publisher=Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters |date=3 June 2012 |access-date=22 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516044109/http://www.dtm.com/en/News/Edoardo-Mortara-scores-maiden-DTM-race-win-at-Spielberg.html |archive-date=16 May 2013 }} He recovered from this to take fifth position in the next round at the Norisring.{{cite web|last=O'Leary|first=Jamie|title=Jamie Green charges to last-gasp Norisring DTM victory|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/100853|work=Autosport|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=1 July 2012|access-date=22 August 2014}} Before the final race at the Hockenheim, Coulthard announced his retirement from motor racing, citing the reason to spend more time with his family and to concentrate on his co-commentary role with the BBC, as well as managing his off-track businesses.{{cite web|title=BBC F1's David Coulthard to end driving career with final DTM race|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/motorsport/19993273|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=18 October 2012|access-date=22 August 2014}} Overall, Coulthard secured fifteenth in the Drivers' Championship, with 14 points.

File:David Coulthard helmet.jpg

Coulthard became known for having a smooth driving style. This style allowed him to perform at circuits where chicanes are common. However, this also meant that he was not suited to modern-day circuit configurations where a majority of the corners are taken at a medium-speed.{{cite web|last=Murray|first=Paul|title=David Coulthard: The Quest For Success|url=http://atlasf1.autosport.com/2000/feb23/murray.html|work=Atlas F1|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=23 February 2000|access-date=17 August 2014}}

During his Formula Ford career, Coulthard gained a reputation of performing better at races than during qualifying sessions. The problem became particularly prevalent during 2003, when one-lap qualifying was introduced, in an effort for smaller teams to gain more television exposure.{{cite web|title=The Schumacher era continues|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/motorsport/season/1381.html|publisher=ESPN|access-date=19 August 2014}} Coulthard became an open vocal opponent of the format, saying: "I just don't like the single-lap qualifying format, I don't think it's right that one lap judges whether you are fast or not."{{cite news|last=Tremayne|first=David|title=Coulthard insists single-lap qualifying is unfair test|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/coulthard-insists-singlelap-qualifying-is-unfair-test-94670.html|work=The Independent|publisher=Independent Print Limited|date=4 July 2003|access-date=19 August 2014}}

Coulthard's helmet design is blue and consists of a white saltire on the top which resembles the flag of Scotland and the four tips are trespassed{{clarify|unclear meaning|date=December 2018}} from the top of the chin area. Coulthard borrowed a helmet belonging to Michael Schumacher for the 1996 Monaco Grand Prix as his regular helmet was suffering from steaming up during the weekend.{{cite web|title=Grand Prix Results: Monaco GP, 1996|url=http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr587.html|work=GrandPrix.com|publisher=Inside F1, Inc.|date=19 May 1996|access-date=22 August 2014}} Upon Schumacher's first retirement in 2006, he suggested to Coulthard that he would swap one of his own helmets for one of Coulthard's, which was agreed by Coulthard.{{cite web|last=Coulthard|first=David|title=I only hope Michael Schumacher pulls through so that he can see all the nice things people are saying about him|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/michael-schumacher/10543292/I-only-hope-Michael-Schumacher-pulls-through-so-that-he-can-see-all-the-nice-things-people-are-saying-about-him.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/michael-schumacher/10543292/I-only-hope-Michael-Schumacher-pulls-through-so-that-he-can-see-all-the-nice-things-people-are-saying-about-him.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=The Telegraph|date=30 December 2013|access-date=22 August 2014}}{{cbignore}} For the 2007 Japanese Grand Prix, he changed his design to grey with a stylised saltire on the sides of his helmet, as an homage to the late World Rally Champion Colin McRae.{{cite web|title=Coulthard to honour McRae in Japan |url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/9/6828.html |publisher=Formula One |date=26 September 2007 |access-date=22 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604151619/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/9/6828.html |archive-date=4 June 2013 }}

Coulthard has lived for some time in Monaco, and also owns homes in London, Belgium and Switzerland.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aol.co.uk/2009/03/30/lewis-hamilton/|title=F1: Lifestyles of the rich and famous - AOL|website=aol.co.uk|date=15 July 2016 }} He owns several luxury hotels in Britain and is a former owner of the Columbus Hotel Monaco, which is located in Monaco's Fontvieille.{{cite news| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/in-the-drivers-seat-david-coulthards-16330m-hotel-haul-1980367.html|location=London|work=The Independent|first1=Christian|last1=Sylt|first2=Caroline|last2=Reid|title=In the driver's seat: David Coulthard's £30m hotel haul|date=23 May 2010|access-date=18 April 2011}}

On 2 May 2000, while he was leasing the Learjet of friend David Murray, the aeroplane developed engine trouble en route to Côte d'Azur International Airport in Nice and crashed while attempting an emergency landing at Lyon-Satolas Airport, France. Coulthard, his then-fiancée the American model Heidi Wichlinski and personal trainer/bodyguard Andy Matthews survived; Murray's personal pilot David Saunders and co-pilot Dan Worley died.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/734358.stm|title=Coulthard survives plane crash|work=BBC News |date=3 May 2000|access-date=1 May 2010}} Coulthard and Wichlinski ended their engagement before the beginning of the 2001 season, which was followed with a series of inaccurate newspaper reports about alleged affairs with other women.{{cite news|last=Benson|first=Andrew|title=Coulthard: The private man|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/1438176.stm|work=BBC Sport|date=14 July 2001|access-date=28 December 2011}}

Coulthard was involved in a four-year relationship with Brazilian model Simone Abdelnour,{{cite web|date=12 June 2006|title=Coulthard to marry true love|url=http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=36267|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060702045707/http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=36267|archive-date=2 July 2006|access-date=1 June 2007|work=ITV F1|publisher=ITV}} before ending the relationship in 2005. Coulthard became engaged to Karen Minier, a Belgian Formula One correspondent for French TV channel TF1, on 2 June 2006. The couple married in 2013.{{Cite web|last=Rees|first=Caroline|date=2015-07-03|title=David Coulthard: My family values|url=http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/jul/03/david-coulthard-my-family-values|access-date=2021-09-19|website=the Guardian|language=en}} Coulthard and Minier had their child on 20 November 2008.{{cite web|title=Coulthard tells of his delight at the birth of 'DC junior'|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/coulthard-tells-of-his-delight-at-the-birth-of-dc-junior-1.895618|work=The Herald|location=Glasgow|publisher=Herald & Times Group|date=25 November 2008|access-date=28 December 2011}} Coulthard and Minier divorced in 2022. In January 2025, Coulthard became engaged to Swedish model Sigrid Silversand after two years of dating.{{Cite web |title=David Coulthard Engaged To 31-Year-Old Swedish Model Girlfriend – 2oceansvibe News {{!}} South African and international news |url=https://www.2oceansvibe.com/2025/01/20/david-coulthard-engaged-to-31-year-old-swedish-model-girlfriend/ |access-date=2025-01-28 |language=en-GB}}

A museum in his home village, Twynholm, was dedicated to Coulthard, but it has now closed. It was previously run by Coulthard's sister Lynsay who died of an overdose of propranolol{{Cite web |title=Coulthard's sister died of overdose |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13142542.coulthards-sister-died-overdose/ |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=HeraldScotland |date=27 January 2014 |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=COULTHARD SISTER'S PILLS O.D. Tests show new mum Lynsay, 35, was killed by common prescription drug. - Free Online Library |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/COULTHARD+SISTER%27S+PILLS+O.D.+Tests+show+new+mum+Lynsay,+35,+was...-a0356836081 |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=www.thefreelibrary.com}} in February 2013.{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-21395171 | work=BBC News | title=David Coulthard's sister Lynsay Jackson found dead at her home | date=9 February 2013}} His half sister Elaine had died in her sleep in 2011.{{Cite web |last=Moon |first=Timur |date=2013-02-10 |title=David Coulthard's Sister Lynsay Found Dead at Home |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/david-coulthard-sister-lynsay-jackson-dies-heart-433466 |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=International Business Times UK |language=en}} Fans in his home village are called "Twynosi" (a cross between Twynholm and the Italian word for "fans", tifosi, as used by Ferrari fans), who gather on race days.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/red-bull-car-wings-way-2629191 |title=Red Bull car wings its way to David Coultard museum |website=Daily Record |date=14 August 2008|access-date=12 April 2016}} In his autobiography, he stated that he had suffered from bulimia as a teenager, caused by the need to lose weight when competing in karting championships.{{cite news|title=Coulthard reveals bulimia battle|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6954569.stm|work=BBC Sport|date=20 August 2007|access-date=28 December 2011}} In 2008, Coulthard was best man at the wedding of Christian Hughes and actress/presenter Amanda Holden.{{cite news|last=Leach|first=Ben|title=Amanda Holden tells friends 'no strippers' on hen night|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/3530001/Amanda-Holden-tells-friends-no-strippers-on-hen-night.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/3530001/Amanda-Holden-tells-friends-no-strippers-on-hen-night.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=The Telegraph|access-date=12 December 2011|date=27 November 2008|location=London}}{{cbignore}}

Coulthard's second cousin, New Zealander Fabian Coulthard, is also a racing driver,{{cite news|title=Coulthard Mk II makes his mark|url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/1746601.stm|work=BBC Sport|date=7 January 2002|access-date=21 August 2007}} and has won several junior championships. He is currently racing in the Australian V8 Supercar Championship Series for Team Sydney.{{cite news | url = http://www.foxsports.com.au/motor-sport/v8-supercars/fabian-coulthard-signs-with-djr-team-penske-in-expanded-two-car-lineup-for-2016-v8-supercars-season/story-fn2ms9um-1227567359443 | title = Fabian Coulthard signs with DJR Team Penske in expanded two-car lineup for 2016 V8 Supercars season | publisher = Fox Sports Australia | date = 13 October 2015}}

Coulthard is an ambassador for the spinal injuries charity Wings For Life.{{cite web|last=David|first=Coulthard|title=Spinal Cord Injury Charity|url=http://www.wingsforlife.com|access-date=31 August 2012}} He was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2010 Birthday Honours for services to motorsport.{{cite web|title=Coulthard honoured with MBE |url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2010/6/10898.html |publisher=Formula One |date=12 June 2010 |access-date=17 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418095120/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2010/6/10898.html |archive-date=18 April 2012 }} Coulthard is a Mercedes-Benz Brand Ambassador, and was involved with the development of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.{{Cite web|last=Vijayenthiran|first=Viknesh|date=22 July 2011|title=Coulthard Becomes AMG Brand Ambassador, Will Help Develop Cars|url=https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1063630_coulthard-becomes-amg-brand-ambassador-will-help-develop-cars|url-status=live|access-date=31 July 2021|website=Motor Authority|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723195541/http://www.motorauthority.com:80/news/1063630_coulthard-becomes-amg-brand-ambassador-will-help-develop-cars |archive-date=23 July 2011 }}

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position in class) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap in class)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races

in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

^† Did not finish, but was classified as he had completed more than 90% of the race distance.

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

† Retired, but was classified as he completed 90% of the winner's race distance

{{reflist|30em}}

{{Commons}}

• {{Official website|http://www.davidcoulthard.co.uk/}}
• {{DriverDB driver|id=david-coulthard}}
• {{Racing-Reference driver|David_Coulthard}}
• {{IMDb name|1354723|David Coulthard}}

{{Navboxes

|title=David Coulthard achievements

| list1 =

{{S-start}}

{{s-sports}}

{{Succession box| before = Inaugural | title = Masters of Formula 3
Winner| after = Pedro Lamy | years = 1991}}

{{Succession box|title=Macau Grand Prix
Winner |before=Michael Schumacher|after=Rickard Rydell|years=1991}}

{{succession box | title = Race of Champions
Champion of Champions | years= 2014 | before = Romain Grosjean
(2012) | after = Sebastian Vettel}}

{{succession box | title = Race of Champions
Champion of Champions | years= 2018 | before = Juan Pablo Montoya | after = Benito Guerra Jr.}}

{{s-npo|union}}

{{Succession box

| before = Michael Schumacher

| title = GPDA Chairman

| years = 2005–2006

| after = Ralf Schumacher}}

{{s-ach}}

{{Succession box| before = Allan McNish | title = Autosport
British Club Driver of the Year | after = Warren Hughes | years =1989}}

{{Succession box| before = Inaugural | title = McLaren Autosport BRDC Award | after = Gareth Rees | years =1989}}

{{Succession box| before = Robb Gravett | title = Autosport
National Racing Driver of the Year | after = Tim Harvey | years = 1991}}

{{Succession box| before= Damon Hill |title=Autosport
British Competition Driver of the Year|after=Damon Hill|years=1994}}

{{Succession box|before=Ivan Capelli
(1992) |title=Lorenzo Bandini Trophy|years=1995|after=Jacques Villeneuve}}

{{Succession box| title=Hawthorn Memorial Trophy | before=Jacques Villeneuve | after=Eddie Irvine| years=1998}}

{{Succession box| title=Hawthorn Memorial Trophy | before=Eddie Irvine | after=Jenson Button| years=2000–2003}}

{{Succession box| before= Eddie Irvine |title=Autosport
British Competition Driver of the Year|after=Jenson Button|years=2000–2002}}

{{S-end}}

}}

{{Formula One drivers from the United Kingdom}}

{{McLaren Autosport BRDC Award}}

{{Autosport National Driver of the Year}}

{{Autosport British Club Driver of the Year}}

{{RBR}}

{{Masters of Formula 3 winners}}

{{Macau Grand Prix winners}}

{{Williams}}

{{McLaren}}

{{Portal bar|Sports|Formula One|Scotland}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Coulthard, David}}

Category:1971 births

Category:Living people

Category:People educated at Kirkcudbright Academy

Category:Sportspeople from Dumfries and Galloway

Category:Survivors of aviation accidents or incidents

Category:Scottish expatriate sportspeople in Monaco

Category:BRDC Gold Star winners

Category:Scottish racing drivers

Category:Formula Ford drivers

Category:Formula One race winners

Category:EFDA Nations Cup drivers

Category:British Formula Three Championship drivers

Category:International Formula 3000 drivers

Category:24 Hours of Le Mans drivers

Category:British Touring Car Championship drivers

Category:Scottish Formula One drivers

Category:McLaren Formula One drivers

Category:Red Bull Formula One drivers

Category:Williams Formula One drivers

Category:Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters drivers

Category:Members of the Order of the British Empire

Category:BBC sports presenters and reporters

Category:Mercedes-AMG Motorsport drivers

Category:Mücke Motorsport drivers

Category:Paul Stewart Racing drivers

Category:Jaguar Racing drivers