Coulthard announces retirement as F1 racer

David Coulthard

(GMM) David Coulthard on Thursday announced he will retire as a formula one race driver at the end of 2008.

The Scottish veteran, at 37 the oldest racer on the grid, said in a media statement he will thereafter remain involved in the sport as a consultant to his current team, Red Bull, "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 motor sport, so I am definitely not hanging up my helmet!" he added.

Coulthard, who made his debut for Williams in 1994 and has won 13 races, said he made the decision to retire earlier this year because he wants to "stop while I am still competitive and enjoying" his job.

DAVID COULTHARD

Nationality: British
Date of Birth: 27 / 03 / 1971
Lives: Monaco

STATISTICS (up to and including the French GP 2008)

– David has won 13 F1 races

– David has had 12 pole positions

– David has led 60 grands prix

– David has had 62 podium finishes (his most recent was in Canada 2008 for Red Bull
Racing, when he finished third)

– David has set 18 fastest race laps

– David has scored 533 points up to and including the French Grand Prix 2008. Based
on points, he's the most successful British GP driver in the history of the sport.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

2008 Red Bull Racing Formula One driver
Third place podium finish (Canada)

2007 Red Bull Racing Formula One driver
Scored 14 points
10h in Drivers' Championship

2006 Red Bull Racing Formula One driver
Third place podium finish (Monaco)
Scored 14 points
13h in Drivers' Championship

2005 Red Bull Racing Formula One driver
Two fourth place finishes (Australia and NÃ¼rburgring)
Scored 24 points
12th in Drivers' Championship

2004 McLaren Mercedes Formula One driver
Fourth place (Germany)
Scored 24 points
Ninth in Drivers' Championship

2003 McLaren Mercedes Formula One driver
Wins Australian Grand Prix
Scored 51 points
Seventh in Drivers' Championship