David Coulthard apparently failed to keep the Indian national flag properly on the seat of a car designated to take him around the crowd. Despite putting up a good show for the Hyderabadi crowd, a photograph taken by a reporter captured the instance of the fallen Indian flag caused ripples, leaving David red-faced. Coulthard apologised for his ignorance saying, “I must apologise for the fallen flag. From my point of view we don’t have this tradition or rule in our country. So, I would never disrespect the country and I would never disrespect the flag”.

David Coulthard apologises for tricolour goof-up in Hyderabad

Driving a Red Bull F1 car at 282 kmph across the Tank Bund Road around the Hussain Sagar Lake, David enthralled the onlookers with a sublime display of speed and F1 car control. The Formula One veteran and 13 time World Champion was very pleased with the response of the Indian crowd and the interest it generated as he showcased the might of the Red Bull F1 car on the streets of Hyderabad. He said, “Its always a special feeling to drive a Formula One car for the sheer thrill of the fans and it was incredible to take the car for a spin at such an iconic location. I enjoyed the opportunity to bring Formula One to the people of India again”.

The first Formula One race in India took place on the 30th September of 2011 which was won by Sebastian Vettel. The next two years saw the same man win the Indian GP hosted in the newly constructed Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, near New Delhi. The Indian GP has been axed last year and this year too has not been able to make it into the F1 calendar, citing tax problems with the Uttar Pradesh government as the reason. The Uttar Pradesh government does not see Formula One as a sport but entertainment and thus levied heavy tax which is being currently contested in court.

Formula One had gradually increased in popularity in India since the first race in 2011. However, with the Indian GP being axed for the last two years, Indian fans have been disappointed on missing out of the live F1 action. Such small events and showcasing goes a long way in keeping the interest and passion alive in this country. In future more such activities are encouraged in India.

Tags: David Coulthard, F1, FIA, Formula One, Hyderabad, India, Naga Chaitanya, National Flag, Red Bull, Red Bull F1 Showrun