Lewis Hamilton and Angela Cullen Part Ways Early due to…read more
Lewis Hamilton’s first home Grand Prix in Italy as a Ferrari driver at Imola was packed with intense moments, both on and off the track. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion delivered an impressive performance, finishing fourth—a result that equals Ferrari’s best showing so far in the 2025 season. But beyond his strong drive, a quieter but equally significant story emerged in the background: Hamilton and his long-standing performance coach, Angela Cullen, have decided to go their separate ways once again.
The weekend began with frustration for Hamilton, particularly during Saturday’s qualifying session. Ferrari’s persistent issues with tyre warm-up caught both drivers off guard, preventing them from advancing beyond Q2. Hamilton didn’t hold back, labeling the tyre problem as “a rude awakening.” Despite these challenges, Sunday’s race told a different story. Thanks to a well-timed early pit stop under the Safety Car and a string of fast laps, Hamilton made up significant ground on the field. His determination and tactical execution electrified the Italian crowd—the passionate tifosi—who packed the grandstands at the historic Imola circuit.
As celebrations kicked off following the race, there was a notable moment that hinted at a significant change in Hamilton’s inner circle. Angela Cullen, a fixture in the paddock and a key figure in Hamilton’s career, was seen departing the circuit with her luggage. Shortly after, multiple reputable sources including Sky Sport F1 and La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Cullen would be stepping back from her role as a full-time member of Hamilton’s traveling team.
According to reports, the decision was mutual and amicable. Cullen plans to redirect her energy toward building a new venture—a human performance consultancy based in her native New Zealand. This move marks a new chapter in her professional journey after years of closely supporting Hamilton through his highs and lows in Formula 1.
Though she is stepping away from the relentless demands of the full F1 calendar, Cullen is not cutting ties with Hamilton entirely. It is expected that she will make appearances at selected races throughout the rest of the season, offering support on a more flexible basis. Her presence in the paddock has become symbolic of Hamilton’s pursuit of peak performance, and her reduced role will certainly be felt.
Overall, Hamilton’s race at Imola was one of determination, resilience, and transition—both in terms of his on-track comeback and the evolving dynamics of his support team.
