A hard day's race with David Coulthard

MANILA, Philippines - Three nights of Grand Prix intensity couldn’t have ended better than this: a rare interview with 13-time Formula One winner David Coulthard.

Arranged by TW Steel at the Marriott Hotel back in Manila, the meet and greet with Coulthard coincided with what appeared to be a thunderstorm  almost like a fitting symbol of how the Scottish veteran has blazed his own trail in racing history. Having driven for Williams F1, McLaren-Mercedes, and Red Bull Racing in 15 seasons throughout his career, Coulthard still plans to race for the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) division.

As he stops by Manila to unveil his own TW Steel David Coulthard Special Edition Watch with Lucerne, the TW Steel ambassador talks about his bemedaled life in and around the circuit.

TW Steel definitely made sure my impeccable Singapore Airlines-sponsored trip was topped off with a surreal meet and greet with the 13-time Formula One champion.

YOUNG STAR: What did you make of the recent Grand Prix in Singapore?

Ambassador of luxury: “I’m thoroughly enjoying working with TW Steel as an ambassador so I guess it’s only natural that the next step was to produce a watch together,” says Coulthard.

DAVID COULTHARD: This year was about creating and experimenting with new technologies. Overall, it was an unpredictable Grand Prix.

Did Sebastian Vettel’s landslide win make it any less exciting for the Grand Prix?

I don’t think so because in any given field, there’s always a market leader. It takes a lot of time and effort to develop a winning team so it shouldn’t be a big surprise that once established, it will take some time to beat them.

What do you do to relieve yourself of the nostalgia, having retired from F1?

I don’t live in the past so I don’t have a problem with that. I’ve got a number of things that I do today, (such as) working with BBC, racing with DTM, and maintaining relationships like this with TW Steel. I was pretty forlorn but I had my time and in terms of being a Grand Prix driver, now is the time for the next generation.

I think you should put out a book called How to Win the Grand Prix 13 Times. Could you describe for us, though, what it was like behind the wheel when you were racing?

Functional and stylish: The TW Steel David Coulthard Special Edition Watch captures the racer’s passion for detail while alluding to the rich colors of his life in Monte Carlo.

(Laughs) Well, I’m one of those people who can’t concentrate below 100 mph. Otherwise, anything over 100 mph  or even 150 mph  gets my attention and focus. I’ve done about 250 (yawns) so I’m very comfortable to be at that speed. I need speed for my mind to focus. The only time you really realize you’re going that fast is when you crash.

You started karting in the ‘80s but switched to Formula Ford a year later, winning your first Young Driver of the Year award. Did you ever have a rebellious phase growing up?

I certainly wasn’t a rebel nor was I a goody two-shoes but what I was was focused, dedicated, hardworking, and respectful to those who had authority over me.

When did you realize you wanted to race as a career?

I… evolved. I always live for the moment. And I wasn’t a dreamer so I never thought of being an F1 driver. I just wanted to win the next race and with that, I knew I could progress.

You have an autobiography out called It Is What It Is. What do you…

… No, I won’t tell you the ending. (Laughs) I mean, I won’t die in the end. (Laughs)

But what do you demand of yourself every time you race?

Detail  just having every detail noted. You’ve got to remember that it’s a racing car. It doesn’t fit in the garage. It bounces, goes up the hill to the Casino Square in Monte Carlo so it has to be functional. It has to be something that the driver can find his way around and exploit.

Priceless Prix: TW Steel and MasterCard flew promo winner Janice Pacia and the author to the recent Singapore Grand Prix, where VIP access to the Lotus Renault Team hospitality paddock awaited them.

Speaking of detail, you’ve designed your own watch for TW Steel. What was your input for this?

I decided on the color and style of the watch. I wanted something with a different, classic touch that goes well when I travel.

What was it like working with TW Steel?

For me, TW Steel is a young company but it’s moved quickly in a short period of time by being brave and not being scared of failure. A lot of people would be scared of bringing something like this to the market. But TW Steel did it and I’m happy to be working with them.

How are you dividing your time now?

I would love to be at home, just hanging out with my son. I also work with BBC, TW Steel, Mercedes Benz, DTM, and Hugo Boss. If you’re lucky to work with companies that reflect your own aspirations in life, then I think you’re doing well.

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The TW Steel watch is available at the TW Steel boutique in Podium, Lucerne Shangri-La and Cebu, Chronos, Swiss Gear, and Wrist Pod boutiques nationwide.