Vettel to replace Coulthard at Red Bull

One of the first pieces in the 2009 Formula One jigsaw fell into place yesterday with the announcement in Hockenheim that Sebastian Vettel will transfer from energy drink magnate Dietrich Mateschitz's Toro Rosso team to his senior Red Bull Racing outfit. The 21 year-old German will replace David Coulthard, who announced at Silverstone that he will retire at the end of this season.

Coulthard to quit at end of season

British driver David Coulthard today confirmed he will retire from Formula One at the end of the season.

F1 news briefs: Friday (Coulthard expects child, Silverstone regrets, USGP no return)

Jul.4 (GMM) David Coulthard's fiancee Karen Minier is pregnant, according to the Swiss newspaper Blick. Soon-to-be-retired Coulthard and Minier, a former F1 TV journalist for France's TF1, have been engaged for two years. He has a beautiful fiancee to look after, friend and rival Jenson Button said at Silverstone on Friday in contemplation of Coulthard's final British grand prix.

Vettel addresses Red Bull rumours

Jul.4 (GMM) F1's youngest driver, Sebastian Vettel, marked his 21st birthday on Friday with a cake in Toro Rosso's Silverstone pit garage. The German rookie's real present, however, may have been the announced retirement of David Coulthard, as speculation hits top gear that Vettel is first in line to fill the Red Bull race seat for 2009.

Vettel to Red Bull 'possible' - Horner

Jun.23 (GMM) A recurring rumour on the verge of the French grand prix at the weekend was that Sebastian Vettel's deal to move to Red Bull Racing in 2009 is now all but guaranteed.

Vettel for Red Bull - Confirmation

Jul.17 (GMM) The big rumour in the Hockenheim paddock on Thursday is that Sebastian Vettel will shortly be announced as Mark Webber's teammate at Red Bull Racing for 2009.