David Coulthard will attempt to hold back the tears on Sunday when he bids a fond farewell to his Formula One career.

The Brazilian Grand Prix will be the 246th and final race of a 15-season journey which has seen him win 13 grands prix, claim 12 poles and 18 fastest laps.

"I wasn't thinking about this being my last race, and then I left last Thursday to go to Argentina for a promotion," said the 37-year-old Scot. "My fiancee Karen took me to the airport as normal. It was only when I was about to get into the car I realised I would be leaving as a grand prix driver, but coming back as an ex-driver."

He added: " "That's the first time it really struck me because, when I was going through it earlier in the year about whether I should make it easy for everyone rather than drag things out, it seemed straightforward and very logical.

"Looking back on 2004, which was the first time I had my last grand prix, when I was saying goodbye to the boys (at McLaren) before going off to the last race, I had tears.

"When you're not someone who is a tearful person, it came as a complete surprise to me. The guys at McLaren sort of looked away respectfully.

"It shows that I put a lot of emotion into my racing and a lot of passion for many years.

"Even though I don't see myself as an outwardly emotional person, it obviously just simmers underneath.

"I guess Sunday might be a bit like that. I hope not because there's nothing worse than a grown man crying is there?"