Recently signed Red Bull Racing driver David Coulthard has admitted to underperforming at McLaren for the past two years, because he felt “unwanted”.
Recently signed Red Bull Racing driver David Coulthard has admitted to underperforming at McLaren for the past two years, because he felt “unwanted”.
Coulthard signed with the team on Friday after successfully completing a test session at Jerez last week. He later confessed to racing at half power for the past two years, but hopes the move to Red Bull will signal a change in his fortunes.
After Coulthard’s McLaren seat was assigned to Juan Pablo Montoya – even before the start of the 2004 season – the Scot’s on-track performances took a dive.
“Obviously the last year and a bit have been a difficult period in my career, but to perform you have got to be in the right environment,” explained Coulthard.
“I have not been in the same environment as my key competitors. They are secure, wanted and are at different stages and different levels of the sport. Of course that influences you. In the circumstances, I believe I have done a reasonable job.
“The desire to do the job, to work hard and be professional, is as strong as it’s ever been,” Coulthard added. “My work ethic is the same, although there have been days this year which have been disappointing.”
Red Bull Racing boss Dietrich Mateschitz and team managing director David Pitchforth recently admitted the fledgling team would benefit greatly from the Scot’s experience.
“Coulthard is a done deal,” Mateschitz told Kronen Zeitung. “If we were only considering him for a test driver role, we wouldn’t have even tested him.”
With youngsters Christien Klien and Vitantonio Liuzzi being considered for the remaining Red Bull Racing seat, the team will announce the name of its second driver in January.