David Coulthard has confirmed that he is to retire from
Formula 1 this year at the age of 37.
Ending an illustrious career that has spanned some 14 years and delivered 13 grand prix victories, Coulthard made the announcement ahead of what will be his final British Grand Prix.
Although one of the most successful Formula 1 drivers in recent history, Coulthard is yet to win a drivers' title and has chosen to retire at a time when his future at
Red Bull Racing had been recently questioned.
Coulthard issued a press statement that read as follows:
"I would like to announce today my decision to retire from racing in Formula One at the end of this season. I will remain actively involved in the sport 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 definitely not hanging up my helmet!
"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 driving represents. I also have the desire to look for new challenges within the sport.
"The decision to make this announcement at the British GP should be an obvious one for all to understand, as I have achieved two of my thirteen
F1 victories at
Silverstone and I am a member of the British Racing Drivers' Club, which hosts this event.
"I am proud of my work at Red Bull Racing and will continue to race with the same focus until the last lap in Brazil. Thereafter I will continue to help the team develop and move towards their ultimate goal of
winning races."
Coulthard started his career at
Williams in 1994 before switching to McLaren-Mercedes in 1996, the team with which he experienced most success over nine seasons. The Scot has been racing for Red Bull Racing since 2005.
