Hamilton, Button pay tribute to Coulthard.

Aware that they will probably be the only two British drivers carrying the baton in Formula One next season, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton paid tribute to veteran colleague David Coulthard as the Scot discussed his decision to retire at the end of the year.

With Anthony Davidson losing his place on the grid after Super Aguri F1 succumbed to financial pressures, the trio have been Britain's standard bearers in the top flight, but Coulthard has now confirmed speculation that he is to hang up his helmet at the end of the Brazilian Grand Prix in October, after 14 years as an F1 driver.

The announcement, made on the eve of his home grand prix at Silverstone, comes after much speculation about DC's future, and his role with Red Bull Racing, with television work being touted as a possible means of remaining involved with a sport he has graced with 13 race wins. Button will pick up the baton as Britain's most experienced driver, assuming he remains with Honda next season, but admits that he is sorry to see someone he regarded as both a friend and a rival bowing out.

"In a way, for sure, I am disappointed," he told journalists at Silverstone, "If you look at David's career, he has achieved a lot - and a lot more that most drivers will ever achieve in their F1 career.

"I have always got on well with DC since [debuting in F1 in] 2000, and we have been pretty good friends around the paddock, but also away from the circuit. I will miss him at the races for sure, but I'm also happy for him that he has made the decision to do something else next year. It is nice when you can make that decision yourself and find something else that can take up your time. Obviously, he has a beautiful fianc?e to look after....."

Hamilton's career has only crossed Coulthard's in the past couple of seasons, but the Scot was one of those drivers that the youngster admired as he came up through the ranks, particularly while DC was part of the McLaren operation that nurtured his formative years.

"I'm not going to say I'm disappointed - I'd say I'm sad to see him go," Hamilton noted, "I've known David for quite a long time, [and] I remember our discussions before I even got to Formula One. I think I was probably still in karting when I first started to speak to David and he was giving me advice.

"It's going to be a shame to see him go because he's always been one of the coolest characters in the pit-lane and, as you can see, after such a long period of time, he's still here, pushing very hard. He's had a great finish in Red Bull recently and has been one to push Red Bull to where they are today.

"For me, he's an inspiration for all of us drivers and he's such a good example. But, as he said, he's going to stay around, so this won't be the last time we see him. I just wish him all the best for the future."