David Coulthard: Jet tragedy changed my whole life

Nov 2 2008 By Ian Gilmour

DAVID COULTHARD last night reflected on the plane crash that changed his life as he prepared to wave goodbye to Formula One at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The Scot was lucky to survive when his jet crashed attempting an emergency landing at Lyon airport in 2000.

The two pilots were not so fortunate and the experience made Coulthard take stock of his life and career.

Until that point he was living in the fast lane on and off the track but the crash changed his priorities and made him a wiser driver and person. The 37-year-old, who will retire after today's race, said: "The crash stopped me in my tracks.

"I remember laying down in bed that night and literally having a shiver within my body while thinking: 'Jesus!'

"It was a question of waking up to the realities of adult life. People imagine what it's like to be an F1 driver - fast cars, women and money. But I lived that and realised my core values were different."