Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton have tipped their hats to David Coulthard after the veteran driver confirmed he will retire from Formula One 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 race at Silverstone - a circuit at which 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.

He said: "In a way, for sure I am disappointed.

"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."

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.

He said: "I'm sad to see him go.

"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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