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Jense pays tribute to Coulthard

Friday 4th July 2008

Jenson Button has paid tribute to David Coulthard after the veteran Scot confirmed he will retire from F1 at the end of the season.

The 37-year-old Red Bull Racing driver, who has claimed 13 grand prix victories in 236 races to date, announced his decision ahead of his home grand prix at Silverstone - a race he has won on two occasions.

Coulthard will remain with Red Bull beyond the end of the season in a consultancy capacity, an arrangement that will see the Scot continue to test for the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

Honda driver Button admitted to his sadness at losing a formidable on-track competitor, but conceded it was fitting for the oldest driver on the grid to bow out on his own terms.

"In a way, for sure I am disappointed," said Button. "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 also always got on well with DC since 2000. 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."

Fellow Briton Lewis Hamilton also reserved special praise for Coulthard, who spent nine seasons with the 23-year-old's team, McLaren, between 1996 and 2004.

"I'm sad to see him go," said Hamilton. "I've known David for quite a long time. 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 and pushing very hard.

"He's an inspiration for all us drivers, he sets a good example."

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