UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Coulthard Is Too 'Intense': Former Boss

Williams' Head says why they let the Scot go

What's wrong with David Coulthard? - is he just inconsistent, or too intense?

His former boss, BMW-Williams' technical director Patrick Head, reckons both afflictions shape the problem with McLaren's soon-to-be-dumped Scottish veteran.

Head, who worked with DC in 1994 and 1995, notes that during Coulthard's nine-year career at McLaren he's been outperformed by both of his Finnish team-mates.

'That will count against him,' said the Briton when asked if the 32-year-old was likely to get another shot somewhere on the grand prix grid in 2005.

Head told The Mirror: 'Maybe he's too intense. He analyses things too much. When he's looking for a job, there has to be a question mark because of that.'

David, then a test-driver, started his career in one of Sir Frank's Renault-powered racers a decade ago after the death of team racer Ayrton Senna.

Patrick Head reckons that when Coulthard is 'hot, he is almost perfect.'

But at the next race he might be ordinary. 'He puts a huge amount of effort into his fitness and he's intelligent - he thinks about everything,' he added.

'Maybe if he relaxed it would allow that brilliance to come out more.'

Written: Fri, 13 Feb 2004 14:48:31