Former grand prix winner David Coulthard, at 37 the oldest driver in Formula One, announced yesterday his retirement at the end of the season.

"I would like to announce today my decision to retire from racing in Formula One at the end of this season," the Red Bull driver said in a statement.

"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," added the Scot, who is expected to be replaced by Germany's Sebastian Vettel.

Vettel, who celebrated his 21st birthday yesterday, is currently racing for Red Bull's Ferrari-powered Toro Rosso sister team.

Coulthard said his decision to retire was taken earlier in the year and was based on "a desire to stop while I am still competitive and enjoying the immense challenge that Grand Prix driving represents".

The Scot has won 13 grands prix, two of the victories coming at Silverstone, in a Formula One career that started with Williams in 1994 after the death of Brazilian triple champion Ayrton Senna.

He has started 236 races to date, more than any other British driver.

Coulthard finished third in last month's Canadian Grand Prix, his first appearance on the podium since 2006, and he said he would "continue to race with the same focus until the last lap in Brazil".

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