David Coulthard looks back critically on his time in Formula 1—The Scot believes today’s drivers are better than ever, but warns of the consequences of social media
David Coulthard looks back on Formula 1 during his active career with mixed feelings. The 55-year-old Scot, who competed in 246 Grands Prix for Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull between 1994 and 2008 and celebrated 13 victories, sees significant differences between the driver generations of then and now. In his view, the way drivers interact with one another has changed fundamentally.
Coulthard describes the level of driving in today’s Formula 1 as higher than ever: “The level is much higher than it was in my day. Back then, there were maybe five good drivers. Today, everyone is at the top level.”
The former Grand Prix winner cites more professional training methods and technical advancements as the reasons. “That’s because they train much more. Not only do they have more data and training options like simulators, but they can’t get enough of driving. At home, they still sit down at their consoles and compete in sim racing. We were different in many ways back then.”
The paddock has also changed fundamentally
In addition to the sporting aspects, Coulthard particularly highlights the change in how drivers interact with one another in the paddock. Drivers of his generation were much more self-focused, he says. Friendships or regular interaction were rare, and contact among drivers was largely limited to the racetrack and Grand Prix weekends.
“The paddock was much less friendly. When I joined Formula 1, I didn’t know any of the other drivers personally. It stayed that way for a while because nobody cared about me,” recalls Coulthard. The only exception was Niki Lauda, who welcomed him to the paddock back then, even though his own career had already ended.
Closer bonds among drivers, more attention from the outside world
In the Scot’s view, today’s drivers, by contrast, maintain a much closer relationship. “Today, the drivers are in constant contact with one another and comment on each other’s social media posts. That’s almost part of the job, because they’re all stars.”
The increased popularity of Formula 1 also plays an important role, in Coulthard’s view. Whereas in the past it was primarily the drivers from the top teams who were known to a broad audience, today nearly all drivers are in the public spotlight.
“While in my day only the successful drivers from major teams were recognized in public, nowadays even drivers who finish 21st or 22nd can’t walk down the street without being surrounded by fans,” said the Scot.
Social Media Is Changing Priorities
Coulthard does not view this development as entirely positive. He feels that the growing importance of social media could shift the focus away from what really matters. “I have the feeling that this is causing some people to lose their focus. For us, it was all about getting the best possible result; today, some drivers are more interested in getting the highest number of followers on Instagram.”
With his comments, Coulthard paints a picture of a Formula 1 that has undergone fundamental changes—not only in terms of the sport itself, but also in how drivers interact with one another and in how they’re perceived by the public.