Coulthard will quit F1 at end of season

Kiss goodbye: Jenson Button plants a smacker on David Coulthard, to the amusement of Lewis Hamilton, after the Scot revealed plans to retire from Formula One at the end of the season after 15 years in the sport

David Smith13 April 2012

David Coulthard today confirmed he is to quit Formula One at the end of this season.

The 37-year-old Scot, the oldest driver competing in F1, went public with his decision on the eve of first practice for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, a race he has won twice in a career embracing 13 victories, 12 pole positions and 62 podium finishes from 236 starts.

As recently as the Canadian Grand Prix last month, Coulthard was able to race his Red Bull to a brilliant third place.

But he said today: "My decision to retire was taken earlier in the year and is based on a desire to stop while I am still competitive and enjoying the immense challenge that Grand Prix racing represents.

"The decision to make this announcement at the British GP should be an obvious one.

"I will remain actively involved as a consultant to Red Bull Racing, focusing on testing and development of the cars.

"I have an open mind as to whether or not I will compete again in the future, in some other form of motorsport, so I am not hanging up my helmet."