Breaking: Lewis Hamilton and Angela Cullen Part Ways Again Despite…read more
Lewis Hamilton and Angela Cullen Part Ways Again Amicably, Amid Ferrari Rise
Lewis Hamilton’s first home race as a Ferrari driver delivered high drama on and off the track. While the seven-time world champion electrified fans with a blistering fourth-place finish at Imola—matching Ferrari’s best result of 2025 so far—it was a more subdued moment behind the garage that caught attention: Hamilton and long-time performance coach Angela Cullen quietly parting ways once again.
On Saturday, Hamilton had been blunt about Ferrari’s tyre-warm-up issues, calling them “a rude awakening” after both cars exited qualifying in Q2. But on Sunday, a bold early pit stop under Safety Car conditions and a flurry of qualifying-style laps saw Hamilton surge up the order. The tifosi roared with approval, their cheers echoing down the historic straight.
Amid the celebrations, Cullen was seen leaving the paddock with a suitcase, sparking immediate speculation. Reports from Sky Sport F1 and La Gazzetta dello Sport soon confirmed that Cullen will no longer travel to every race weekend. According to both camps, the decision is amicable and driven by workload. Having rejoined Hamilton in January after a two-year stint in IndyCar, Cullen is now launching her own human-performance consultancy in New Zealand. She’s expected to appear at select races only.
Ferrari insiders suggest Hamilton supported the change, having grown increasingly confident in Maranello’s own performance staff. Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur emphasized the flexibility of the arrangement: “Nothing prevents Angela returning for Monaco or Monza if Lewis asks,” he noted—referencing a clause in Hamilton’s contract that allows for ad-hoc outside support.
Cullen, who became a fixture of Hamilton’s entourage during their Mercedes years, marked the moment on Instagram, writing: “Chapter closed, but the story never ends,” beside a picture of her scooter next to a Ferrari freight crate.
What this means for Hamilton’s performance remains to be seen. His strong showing at Imola suggests a budding synergy with Ferrari’s team. Yet his qualifying form—so often sharpened by Cullen’s rigorous routines—will be tested, especially with Monaco up next. Analysts remember his brief dip in Saturday sessions when Cullen first stepped away in 2023.
As the F1 circus heads into a triple-header—Monaco, Barcelona, and Montréal—all eyes will be on whether Ferrari’s internal systems can match the personal precision Cullen brought. For now, both she and Hamilton describe the split not as an end, but a shift. As Hamilton put it post-race: “We’re like family—just taking different flights.”
