HE has lived his life in the fast lane, and David Coulthard has no inkling to slow down. More than two decades have passed since he first sat in a Formula One car, yet the speed, the excitement and even the danger continue to captivate him.

A career that spanned 247 races and brought 13 victories didn’t yield the ultimate prize for Coulthard, but the Scot remains involved at the pinnacle of motorsport.

He has swapped a multi-sponsored race suit and helmet, adorned with the St Andrew's Cross, for a microphone and a seat in the commentary box.

Through his work with the BBC and now with Channel 4, he has gained a new generation of fans. His weekends are now spent analysing and informing rather than searching for the ultimate relationship between man and machine.

Coulthard was the headline capture for Channel 4 ahead of the maiden campaign of their three-year broadcast deal, the first live race of which is the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend and one that also includes the British Grand Prix in July. For Coulthard, it a chance to share his knowledge and passion, to offer insight and to inspire.

“I am a fan of the sport and hanging around race tracks is something I have been doing my whole life so it is a very comfortable environment for me,” he told SportTimes.

“Some people go away and do something completely unconnected to their sport when they retire, but for me it is not at all a hardship to be involved in motorsport the way I am. I enjoy the challenge of television and I have a hand in influencing the next fans of Formula One.

“When I am talking on the television I think I am talking to people who want to understand what is going on and why it is exciting.

“I don’t want to sound holier than thou, but I do feel a responsibility to connect with the younger generation. The sport has been kind to me and I should do the best I can by the sport.

“There will be a time when I am either no longer willing or able to do that and then the next person should do it. It is a gift to be involved in sport and therefore, as an ex-sportsman, to then be involved as a pundit and commentator, is a gift as well. It is not one I take flippantly or for granted. It is a great responsibility.”

The way that Coulthard operates within the F1 world has changed significantly, but the sport has evolved even more drastically in recent years. It remains at the cutting edge of technology but you need to know your DRS (Drag Reduction System) from MGU-K (motor generator unit-kinetic) to stay up to speed.

The dominance of Mercedes is seen as a negative, as is the lack of overtaking manoeuvres completed during some races.

For the fan in the stands or their living room, Formula One can at times appear, well, boring, especially for those that witnessed the convoluted qualifying in Melbourne a fortnight ago that was designed to shake-up the grid and resulted in a one-two for Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton.

“I think there is a general feeling of discontent right now in terms of where the sport is and what it is trying to achieve,” Coulthard said.

“It should be the pinnacle of motorsport so therefore it is the fastest cars which, in theory, should attract the fastest drivers and see them go wheel to wheel. Of course, not all the cars are the same and that is part of the DNA of Formula One.

"The teams have to design and develop their cars so it is not just about the drivers. It is about the engineers, the mechanics, the whole team coming together and producing a great package.

"Anything which is creating an artificial representation of outright pace, I personally don’t agree with.”

*Channel 4 is the new home of free-to-air Formula 1® in the UK with live coverage of 10 Grand Prix this season and comprehensive highlights of every race weekend. You can watch the Bahrain Grand Prix live on Channel 4 from 4pm on 3rd April. Visit www.channel4.com/F1 for more information.