Coulthard awarded an MBE

Former F1 driver turned TV pundit David Coulthard has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

The 39-year-old Scot began his F1 career in 1994 with Williams as Ayrton Senna's replacement, before moving to McLaren in 1996 and becoming their longest-serving driver.

In 2005 he swapped to Red Bull Racing before hanging up his helmet in 2008, calling it quits on his 15-year career, during which he claimed 13 grand prix victories and finished runner-up in the 2001 World Championship.

"I'm delighted to receive this for my contribution to motorsports," Coulthard told the BBC.

"A big thank you to all those who have helped me. My family, Frank Williams for giving me the first opportunity in F1, Jackie Stewart for his guidance before that.

"Ron Dennis, of course, through my McLaren years, Dieter Mateschitz of Red Bull towards the end of my career and the whole motorsports community because the platform of motor racing has given me this opportunity, so thank you to all."

Source: Planet F1

Button receives MBE

Jenson Button picks up his MBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace

Jenson Button has received his MBE from Her Majesty the Queen in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

The McLaren driver was handed the award after securing his maiden F1 title last season with Brawn GP, with the ceremony coming just days after he finished behind Lewis Hamilton in a British 1-2 at the Turkish Grand Prix.

“The last 18 months have been an incredible period in my life,” Button was quoted by the official F1 website. “Starting last year facing almost impossible odds, I achieved my childhood dream of winning the Formula One world championship and I'm now driving for one of the greatest teams in the sport.

“To also be recognised by Her Majesty the Queen and the British people is the greatest honour I could possibly imagine. My whole life in motorsport has been an incredible journey. When I started karting as an eight year-old boy, I could only dream of racing in Formula One, or becoming world champion. Even now, those dreams still feel unbelievable and fantastic to me.

“To visit Buckingham Palace today is another huge step along that journey. To be awarded the MBE by Her Majesty the Queen is a very great honour for me, and a significant milestone in my life. Today makes me incredibly proud to be British, and to be able represent my country on the world's stage. Being Formula One world champion, and receiving the MBE, carries with it great responsibility that I am proud to take on and uphold.”

Source: Crash.net