Coulthard realistic about F1 future

Coulthard is the oldest driver in F1, and the second longest-serving after Rubens Barrichello. He has started 236 GPs and is competing in his 14th full season having made his debut driving for Williams in the 1994 Spanish GP, following the death of Ayrton Senna.

And while the Scot has repeatedly rebuffed questions over retirement or his long-term future in recent years, there is speculation that Red Bull is considering promoting Sebastian Vettel into his seat in the senior team from 2009.

But whether he decides to quit this year or next, or even if the decision is taken out of his hands, Coulthard, whose contract with Red Bull is up for renewal this year, says he will not dwell on it but simply move on to the next phase of his life.

"We're all different, and I'm quite a realist," said Coulthard. "When something has happened, or a decision has been taken or whatever it happens to be, it's not something I dwell on, I just get on with the next thing. It's just one of those things. When that moment comes, it's the journey of life. You just move on to the next thing.

"I'm currently a grand prix driver, I have been for many seasons, and I'm sitting here still as a grand prix driver because I still enjoy it, and I get a buzz from it, and clearly I deliver a value enough for the team to commit to me for the last few years.

"There will come a point, naturally, where that's not going to continue and... boo hoo, you know? There are a lot of worse things that can happen to you. You just move on to the next challenge."

Coulthard, Britain's most successful active F1 driver and a two-time winner at Silverstone with McLaren in 1999 and 2000, admitted that he is relishing the prospect of racing again on his home circuit.

"Pointswise it's just another race, but in terms of atmosphere, the feel-good factor, the history, all of those things are special," he said.

"Driving down Hangar Straight to Stowe Corner, and seeing all of the crowd standing at the side of the track, that is particularly special at Silverstone because it's a British crowd, and you see the British flags, and the home of motorsport is in Britain. So that's a feel-good moment.

"A lot of tracks you don't even bother looking out at the grandstands, but when you are on Hangar Straight you're not driving - you're just sitting on the straight waiting until you get to the braking point. So you soak up the atmosphere.

"I've always been like that since 1994, and I will be doing exactly the same when I race there in a couple of weeks."

Asked if he would give anything to stand on the podium one last time at Silverstone, Coulthard replied: "Well, I wouldn't give anything, but it would definitely be a great feeling. But I really enjoyed being on the podium in Canada - it's a great feeling."