IT’S the world’s most jet-setting sport. Everything about Formula 1 oozes wealth and glamour.
And at the heart of it is former top driver and now Channel 4 commentator David Coulthard.
When he’s not hopping round the globe to cover races or look after his extensive business interests, he enjoys his luxury home in Monaco.
But the smooth-talking Scot has told iN10 money, money, money isn’t what makes his world go round.
“I’m not materialistic,” insists David, 45. “Nothing would matter to me in terms of an item or a possession because that’s all it is.
“It’s always about family, friends, health and happiness above all else.”
But surely life in the millionaires’ playground of Monaco, with Belgian wife Karen and their seven-year-old son Dayton, is just a bit glitzy?
“I’m not saying it’s not something that could be considered a glamorous lifestyle, in other people’s eyes,” concedes Kirkcudbrightshire-born David.
“But I actually consider my childhood to have been glamorous.
“I grew up in a loving family in a beautiful part of south west Scotland.
“I had a fantastic primary school and a great experience at secondary.
“I think I had a gifted first half of my life before I got anywhere near F1.
“If anyone thinks the life I lead today is in any way better than the life I led until I was 18 and left Scotland then I’d suggest their view of what’s important differs from mine.
“It’s not about how much money someone has in their bank, it’s about their perception of value. I consider myself a canny Scot, but I’m not the person who shies away when the bill comes to the table.”
David – or DC as he’s known to all in the F1 world – stepped on to those champagne-soaked podiums more than 60 times during his career.
But no circuit was more special or race more meaningful than Silverstone, home of the British Grand Prix.
It’ll be a milestone moment next month, as the first race was held 90 years ago, in 1926.
Although David’s history with Silverstone is more recent, it’s deeply personal.
“I have many great memories. I drove my mother’s car round the perimeter road when I was 14 or 15 because it wasn’t out on the main road.
“I camped there and I still stay in a motorhome at the GP today.
“My parents have a motorhome there, too. It takes us back to my karting days aged seven or eight, and here I am at 45 talking nonsense on the television.
“So it tops and tails my life’s memories of motorsport.”
Mum and dad, Joyce and Duncan, have been there every step of David’s career and he’s in no doubt that without their dedication he’d never have made it.
They’d run their transport business during the week and spend weekends driving him hundreds of miles to events, often not getting back until the early hours of Monday.
“Looking back, I marvel at their commitment.”
He also marvels at their judgement on when to be there – and when it was time not to be.
As a pivotal test with race giants McLaren loomed, he called his dad and asked what time he’d been down from Scotland to witness it.
David laughs heartily as he recalls: “He said: ‘McLaren are testing you, son, they’re not testing me. Call me and let me know how you got on!’
“I was 19. It showed great maturity from him in letting go.
“It’s like when you’re teaching a kid to ride a bicycle. When do you first let go of the back of the saddle?
“It’s a big decision as a parent because you’re pretty sure they are going to fall off.
“But having done the same thing yourself as a kid, you just hope they don’t hurt themselves and they’ll get back on and eventually crack it.”
His parents’ backing as he got behind the wheel and started out in the dangerous world of driving is something to the fore of David’s thinking these days.
That’s because Dayton, at the same age as David was, has the karting bug.
And David admits that, as he organises a karting summer for his son, he’s finding it tough.
“I discussed it with my wife that I wasn’t going to encourage him unless he asked to do it,” confides David.
“Karen’s great because she’s so calm and level-headed. You need that kind of support that my mother gave to my father when I was going racing.
“But I’m not sure I have the emotional strength as a father to go through the same journey as I did.
“It’s early days but there’s a similarity and it’s a question of whether it’s just a summer thing and it peters out or whether it goes on.
“And personally I would have no problem with it petering out and his passion going to something safer!”
Time and again David’s thoughts and words come back to his family. And their strength was most sorely tested when sister Lynsay died suddenly in 2013, aged 35.
She left behind husband Will and daughter Emilie, just 10 months old at the time.
“I feel particularly for my parents,” says David. “Parents pass on and the children have their lives, that’s the normal circle of life.
“Lynsay was able to fulfil her destiny of marrying and having a child. Sadly she’s not around to live that whole experience but she has left a part of herself in her daughter.
“And my parents set their retirement and all the things they do around the responsibility of support of Lynsay’s husband.”
Although his skill took him right to the pinnacle of motorsport, David says it’s a life he doesn’t miss.
In fact, these days you won’t find him behind the wheel of any car near as often as you’d imagine.
“Well, the supermarket’s just across the street so we walk,” he smiles.
“I mainly use my bike in Monaco because I don’t see the point in getting in the car to go a kilometre. I live in a nice climate and I get on my fold-up bicycle to the bank.
“I don’t not enjoy driving, but it’s not a priority today.
“If you’ve been at a high level in something then eventually the sands of time take over. And if you can’t mentally deal with that, you’ll be disappointed.
“I had a fantastic chance and I was incredibly lucky.
“More talented drivers than me didn’t get that opportunity.
“And I retired knowing I’d tried everything to get the best out of myself.”
Channel 4 has live coverage of 10 Grand Prix this season and highlights of every race weekend. The British Grand Prix is on July 10. Visit f1.channel4.com
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