BREAKING NEWS: Angela Cullen set for new scenery as racing star announces…read More.
Angela Cullen set for new scenery as racing star announces…read More.
Angela Cullen, former physiotherapist and long-time trainer to Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton, is set for a new chapter in her motorsport career following the recent announcement by New Zealand’s IndyCar driver Marcus Armstrong about his future. Cullen, who worked with Hamilton from 2016 until 2023, played an influential role not just as a trainer but as one of Hamilton’s closest friends and confidantes. Their partnership came to an end last year, though both have stressed that the split was amicable, with Hamilton emphasizing that their friendship remains strong despite Cullen’s departure from the F1 scene.
After stepping back from the fast-paced and highly competitive world of Formula 1, Cullen sought new challenges, which led her across the Atlantic to the United States and a fresh role in IndyCar. Cullen joined Armstrong’s team as his trainer, contributing her extensive experience and insights from working alongside a seven-time world champion to aid Armstrong’s development. Despite a challenging season in 2024, the collaboration between Cullen and Armstrong proved fruitful, as the driver achieved his career-best result—a third-place finish at the Detroit Grand Prix.
Armstrong, who raced for Chip Ganassi Racing in 2024, finished 15th in the overall standings but has highlighted Cullen’s contributions as a key factor in his growth as a driver. Specifically, he credited her unique approach to training, which blends physical conditioning with mental preparation, something she honed during her years with Hamilton. Her expertise in these areas, Armstrong believes, had a tangible impact on his performance on the track, especially as he tackled the complexities of oval racing, a new challenge for him in IndyCar.
As the 2024 season wraps up, Armstrong’s career is poised to take a significant turn. Due to Chip Ganassi Racing’s decision to reduce its number of cars from five to three under the newly implemented IndyCar charter system, Armstrong will no longer be part of the team in 2025. Instead, he has secured a seat with Meyer Shank Racing (MSR), where he will join Swedish driver Felix Rosenqvist.
Armstrong has expressed excitement about the move, citing a positive first impression from the team’s co-owners, Mike Shank and Jim Meyer. In a statement about his new opportunity, Armstrong said, “I’m very proud to be joining Meyer Shank Racing in 2025. From my first conversation with Mike and Jim, their passion for performance and meticulous work ethic was clear. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue my IndyCar journey with them.”
Armstrong also reflected on his progress in the 2024 season, particularly in mastering the demands of oval racing, which he initially found challenging. Looking ahead to 2025, he is eager to continue improving and pushing further up the IndyCar ranks. “This year, I got closer to where I want to be performance-wise, and I’m looking forward to continuing to push up the order with MSR. We want to be at the front, fighting for wins, and I believe we have the recipe to do it,” he remarked.
As for Angela Cullen, her future appears set to remain intertwined with Armstrong’s career, at least for the foreseeable future. Having played a vital role in his development during the 2024 season, it is expected that she will continue to support him in his new venture with Meyer Shank Racing. The dynamic between Cullen and Armstrong has been a positive one, and with MSR aiming to rise through the IndyCar standings, Cullen’s expertise will likely be an essential asset.
Cullen’s transition from Formula 1 to IndyCar has been a seamless one, allowing her to apply the same blend of mental and physical coaching that contributed to Hamilton’s dominance in F1. Now working with an up-and-coming talent like Armstrong, she seems poised to help guide him as he continues to carve out a name for himself in IndyCar. With Meyer Shank Racing offering a fresh environment and new challenges, both Armstrong and Cullen seem ready to embrace the next stage of their respective careers.
The 2025 IndyCar season promises to be an intriguing one, not just for Armstrong and his new team but for Cullen as well. Her presence in Armstrong’s corner, as both a mentor and a trainer, will undoubtedly continue to play a pivotal role in his pursuit of success on the track.
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