David Coulthard on a life of extremes and why he's done with private jets
As the Brazilian Grand Prix gets under way, the former Formula One driver recalls his most memorable travels around the world.
I’m never anywhere very long
...when I’m travelling for work. I was in Japan for work recently, where I finished filming at 9pm and was on a 1.30am flight out. I feel like I’ve been on a world tour for the past 25 years. Last year I clocked up more than 500 hours of flying.
I can sleep anywhere
...when I’m travelling – planes, cars, you name it. That’s how I’ve been able to maintain the pace of life that I have. If I’m on the road covering the Grand Prix, it’s usually early mornings and late nights, but when I’m at home, it’s more structured.
An unassuming house in the countryside
...in the South of France, joined by my wife, Karen, and two children, is the perfect holiday setting for me.
It’s always a pleasure to fly
...from Nice because, even though it’s one of the busiest airports in France, it’s a really easy one to navigate. I love that it’s only 14 miles (23km) by car from my home in Monaco or seven minutes by helicopter, so door-to-gate it takes less than half an hour. It’s much less of a hassle than Heathrow, where it recently took me an hour to transit from Terminal 3 to Terminal 5.
I live a life of extremes
...so during my downtime, I like to quietly recharge and not make strict plans about what I’ll see and do. Simplicity is best. Travelling for me is more about the people I’m with, rather than the particular place I’m going to.
I always feel the stress melt away
...when I’m visiting family in Kirkcudbright, Scotland, which has something for everyone. There are plenty of castles and old Roman fortifications, set in beautiful rolling countryside, and Hadrian’s Wall is an easy drive. The coastal lighting is perfect for artists, so there’s a thriving cultural scene.
Summer holidays weren’t a thing
...for us growing up as the family had a haulage firm, so summer was the busiest time for contracts. We had a little cottage in Stranraer, an hour west of us on the coast, where my mum’s from, so we’d go there for breaks. Then our main family holiday would be in January, when we went to Barbados for a couple of weeks.
I love summer in the Swiss Alps
...rather than winter. I’m not a big skier, but I enjoy the mountains and prefer the area in the summer for all that open space and sunshine. I have a chalet in the Vaud Alps with views towards Lake Geneva. I bought the property nearly 20 years ago. I spend more time there with my family now that I’m retired from motor racing.
I enjoy the three ‘M’s
...of the Grand Prix races – Montreal, Melbourne and Monaco. Montreal is such a cool city with nice people and a good mix of North American and European culture to create a unique vibe.
I enjoy the culture shock of Japan
...every time I’m there. The Japanese are very different, relative to other Asian countries. They’re exceptionally polite and respectful – even the cabin crew on their airlines bow to everyone as you walk in. Their politeness feels more sincere than the standard “Have a nice day” you get when you fly most other carriers.
I found India very difficult
...to visit. The people are very warm and there’s such an array of colourful sights and sounds. But you’re also faced with so much sheer poverty. Thankfully, the Grand Prix charity is a big boost to the local economy.
I don’t need yachts and private jets
...for a happy life – I realised this after having experienced a very privileged life flying all across the globe with Formula One.
The best is subjective
I don’t really pay heed to what the current best restaurant or hotel is. A good €2 (￡1.75) coffee while travelling makes me just as happy as dinner at a nice restaurant.
The last thing I want
...is to pack a ton of luggage and have to fly somewhere far for a break, since I travel a lot with work. However, Karen and I try to get away every January to someplace like the Maldives.
It’s amazing how much stuff you can fit
...in a very small bag. I always have a carry-on bag packed with just the basics (toiletries and my passport) ready to go, because I’m often required to travel at short notice.
I would like to cross the Atlantic in a ship
...just to experience that sense of arriving in New York in style.
David Coulthard is an ambassador for the Grand Prix Ball and its charity partner, Wings for Life. For more information, see gpball.co.uk and wingsforlife.com.
Interview by Sarah Ewing