Dennis: Coulthard Needs Top Car to Stay in F1

David Coulthard could quit Formula One at the end of the year if he cannot secure a decent drive for 2005, McLaren boss Ron Dennis predicted.

"I have not discussed it in depth with David but I would be very surprised, if David has a good year, that he would ever drive in anything that was not a good racing car," Dennis said on Friday.

"He will not make the same mistakes, in my opinion, that other drivers have made by going backwards. If he can't go forwards, with us or with some other team, then he will stop. But he hasn't taken that decision."

McLaren have already signed Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya for 2005 from Williams and are sure to keep on Kimi Raikkonen, runner-up to Ferrari's World Champion Michael Schumacher last year. Coulthard is Britain's top driver, with 13 race wins, and starts his ninth season with McLaren on March 7 being linked to big budget Toyota and Jaguar for 2005. Williams, where he started his career in 1994, also have a vacancy.

Dennis, speaking at the team's new Woking headquarters, said the Scot would be given every opportunity to win the Championship. If he did, Dennis said, McLaren would be delighted and Coulthard would also secure his Formula One future.

"He's got everything to gain from this being his best season and nobody will be happier for him than the team," said Dennis.

Equal Treatment

"If he did (win the title), we'd be in the position that he had won in our car and was 2004 World Champion. We'd be absolutely delighted," said the team boss. "We believe ... that he will do a good job this year and if he does a good job this year then I am absolutely sure he is going to be employed, possibly by McLaren in one form or another, in 2005."

"We're not going to handicap his ability to win the World Championship," Dennis added. "We're going to give him every opportunity."

Asked whether it was correct to assume that Coulthard's career as a McLaren race driver would nonetheless be over at the end of the season, he replied: "Logic says that, but I think there are lots of circumstances which we wouldn't want to take place that could see you in a position where David could be driving again. He's not contracted to drive for anyone else yet so that is still an option."

Coulthard struggled in the new single lap qualifying last season, despite winning the opening race in Australia, and finished the year seventh overall.

"We have to wait and see how he copes with it, but he's not out of a job," said Dennis. "There is nothing more certain than if he does a great job, he will be absolutely employed and be a fierce competitor."