David Coulthard has revealed that he and then McLaren team-mate Mika Hakkinen turned down a staggering $20 million offer to become "space tourists," courtesy of their former sponsor West. Despite completing training, both drivers ultimately declined the unique opportunity.
Why it matters:
This incredible revelation highlights the extraordinary opportunities (and sometimes unusual ones) that can arise for top Formula 1 drivers, even beyond their racing careers. It also sheds light on the creative activations sponsors were willing to fund.
The details:
- The offer came from West, McLaren's long-time title sponsor from 1997-2005, a period when Hakkinen secured two World Championships.
- West was prepared to pay $20 million to the Russian Space Agency for Coulthard and Hakkinen to embark on a space tourism journey.
- Both drivers underwent preliminary training at Star City, outside Moscow, a renowned cosmonaut training facility.
- After the training, both Coulthard and Hakkinen independently decided against pursuing the trip.
- Coulthard, reflecting on the experience, expressed his unimpressed view of the G-forces involved in rocket launches compared to the sustained G-forces experienced by jet fighter pilots. He noted the primary "skill" was fitting into a small capsule for a brief launch.
The bigger picture:
Coulthard's career saw him win 13 Grands Prix, with 12 of those victories coming during his time at McLaren. He later joined Red Bull before retiring. Hakkinen, after winning championships in 1998 and 1999, left Formula 1 following the 2001 season, entering a "sabbatical." This anecdote offers a rare glimpse into the off-track lives and unique decisions faced by F1 legends.