The seven-time F1 world champion previously described meeting her as “one of the greatest things that’s happened to me in my life” and that they were “pretty much living together”, with the pair even getting matching tattoos of the word ‘loyalty’ on their wrists. As a result, the news that she was leaving her role shocked many.
In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram, Hamilton revealed Cullen was leaving to “pursue her dreams”, with the Brit writing: “For the last seven years @cullen_angela has been by my side, pushing me to be the best version of myself. I am a stronger athlete and a better person because of her. So today I hope you’ll join me in wishing her the very best as she takes her next steps to pursue her dreams. Thank you for everything Ang, I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you.”
And when asked about Cullen’s departure at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Hamilton revealed he was still speaking to her daily via text but that she was simply “in a different phase of her life” now. “Angela and I are good,” he said.
“She’s in a different phase of her life, we’re still super close. We keep texting every day, massively supportive and I’m massively supportive of her, so grateful to have had her with me on this journey. She’s one of my closest friends and continues to be.”
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Cullen then opened up on her exit in an emotional post on Instagram, stating she was “off on my next adventure” and thanking Hamilton for “supporting me, believing in me and showing me the limitless potential we all have within us”. She wrote: “Exactly seven years ago on this day, I was standing in the F1 paddock for the first time at the Australian GP.
“Today I’m excited to share I’m off on my next adventure. I am so grateful and blessed to have had this incredible journey in F1, and I know my story will continue. Thanks to the MB team, who have been my family for the past seven years. And @lewishamilton you GOAT!!
“It’s been such an honour and pleasure to stand alongside you. I’m so proud of you and everything you have achieved. Thank you for supporting me, believing in me and showing me the limitless potential we all have within us.
“I am so excited to watch the next chapter for you. There’s nothing you can’t do. Don’t stop believing… Lives journey is one big wave. Keep riding. Dream big. As Dreams do come true. Forever by your side. STILL WE RISE.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff then hinted Cullen’s departure was down to Hamilton, stating: “If this is what he decides, we will always absolutely support him. Whatever direction he wants to take. Angela was part of the gang for a long time.
“And I think in every team, whether that is his close circle, also in the wider group, this is not a static situation that you can freeze because we all developers. As people we develop as an organisation and if things don’t work out anymore, then we need to be honest about it. And then bring change.”
However, Hamilton’s former teammate Nico Rosberg and Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle have both expressed concerns about Cullen leaving. Rosberg believes Cullen’s departure “makes things even worse” for Hamilton, telling Sky Sports: “For Lewis not to have her I’m sure is gonna be not ideal and not so nice. I think that’s probably another challenge he has to deal with and get used to.”
Brundle also raised concerns over the impact Cullen’s departure could have on Hamilton, telling Sky Sports: “Lewis has parted company with his apparently (to me anyway) indispensable physio and confidante Angela Cullen, and also said he can’t connect with this car. His chin was down for much of the weekend and he wasn’t ultimately able to benefit from good timing with the Safety Car and switching to faster medium compound tyres when all around him were on hard tyres to the finish.”