You wouldn't credit that David Coulthard had finished a disappointing 13th in the British Grand Prix just the day before. It's Monday morning, and he bowls into the Red Bull Racing offices fully aware that his team suffered on that Sunday afternoon around Silverstone, yet he's bristling with enthusiasm and energy.
Fresh from his debrief at the team's Milton Keynes headquarters, he has been working hard to get the operation back on target - a not inconsiderable task.
And now he's taking time out to talk to F1 Racing. More than just an experienced racer, he's now an ambassador for the sport. And his recent spat with Max Mosley shows that he's lost none of his fire - or his concern to play it safe. He's a senior figure within the paddock and has a huge circle of friends and colleagues - and it's to them that we now turn to tease out the real DC.
He lowers himself into his seat and asks gingerly: "Did any of them ask why I still do it?"