Coulthard reveals sensational Ferrari rejection after Schumacher contract clause

Coulthard loved most of his F1 success with McLaren between 1996 and 2004, successful 13 races.

Nonetheless, a transfer to the Scuderia alongside Michael Schumacher may have been a chance. 

Talking on the Components for Success podcast, Coulthard revealed that he had a gathering with Jean Todt – who was Ferrari crew boss on the time – over a swap to the crew.

Finally, Coulthard rejected it as he didn’t need to be a ‘quantity two driver’ – the place he’d have to maneuver over for Schumacher, if the German was behind him on monitor.

“I did,” Coulthard stated. “I met with Jean Todt in Paris in his condominium, to speak in regards to the potential to drive for Ferrari. 

“And my recollection of the contract provided was mainly a quantity two contract, which, regardless of no matter anybody can now conclude about my profession, at the moment, I nonetheless felt that I wasn’t going to signal something apart from equal alternative.

“And so primarily, if I used to be operating fourth and Michael was fifth, then I needed to transfer over and all the best way proper as much as if I used to be main. And I simply couldn’t comply with signing to that.”

Coulthard credited Ron Dennis for giving him an “equal alternative” at McLaren alongside legendary Finn, Mika Hakkinen.

“And all credit score to Ron [Dennis] and McLaren, the contract they provided me was all the time equal alternative,” he added.

“And though there was a clause that stated you needed to settle for the directions of the crew principal, in no matter circumstance it is likely to be, largely talking, I used to be given a good and equal alternative to crack on and try to see how good I may develop my abilities. 

“In order that was the one crew actually I spoke to throughout my 9 years at McLaren.”