Why Angela Cullen Left Lewis Hamilton and Their Reunion at Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton and Angela Cullen are back together for the 2025 season. But why did the New Zealand physiotherapist spend nearly two years away from F1? Let’s dive into the details.

Angela Cullen: The Background

Angela Cullen is a New Zealand physiotherapist who worked alongside Lewis Hamilton from 2015 to 2023. Their partnership was a significant aspect of Hamilton’s success during his years at Mercedes. However, things took a surprising turn at the beginning of 2023 when Cullen and Hamilton parted ways after just one race.

The Split

Following their split, Hamilton faced two years of disappointing results. Speculation about a potential reunion began just ten days before his first run with Ferrari. The rumour mill kicked off when Cullen posted an Instagram photo wearing a red race suit, coinciding with Hamilton’s own post in red while skiing.

Confirmation of Reunion

On the morning of the Fiorano test, sources confirmed that Angela would be returning to Team Lewis. Later that day, a fuzzy screenshot of Cullen in the back of the Fiorano garage emerged, solidifying the news.

Changes in Their Dynamic

When I met Angela in Bahrain prior to testing, she expressed her excitement about returning. One notable change was that she no longer arrived with Lewis, a routine they had shared during their previous collaboration. This shift marked a new phase in their working relationship.

What Led to the Split?

To understand the split, we need to look back at the management dynamics within Team Lewis. From 2016 to 2021, Hamilton was managed by Marc Hynes. In 2021, he appointed Penni Thow from the company Copper to take charge. Thow was a young achiever who oversaw all aspects of Team Lewis. Insiders suggested that she felt it was time for a change, leading to Steve’o from Mercedes taking over Cullen’s duties during 2023.

The Impact of Angela’s Absence

During Cullen’s absence, Hamilton’s performance suffered. Without her support, he struggled to replicate the success they had achieved together. Jump forward to Mexico in 2023, and it was clear that a transition was happening within Team Lewis. Marc Hynes was reappointed to manage Hamilton, and he brought in Kylie Tomich to focus on fitness, while keeping Steve’o for on-track duties.

The Offer to Return

In early July, around the time of the Mid-Ohio IndyCar race, Angela received an offer to return to Team Lewis. At that time, she was working with IndyCar driver Marcus Armstrong. However, she ultimately decided to accept the offer from Hamilton, signalling the start of a new chapter.

Angela’s Role and Popularity

Angela was not just a physiotherapist; she was a vital support system for Hamilton. She was highly regarded by fans, boasting over 400,000 followers on Instagram in 2023. Her role involved everything from being his chauffeur to managing his meals and wardrobe, allowing Hamilton to concentrate on driving.

The Rumours Resurface

As rumours of their reunion gained traction, Angela even took down her Instagram page due to the influx of messages. When the news broke, it wasn’t just social media that reacted; major newspapers in England covered the story extensively.

Angela’s Background

Angela, 50 years old and ten years older than Hamilton, has worked with Hintsa, a company that provides many trainers and coaches in F1. She was instrumental in Hamilton’s journey and was known to be the hardest working woman in F1.

Superstition or Strategy?

Some speculate that Hamilton’s successful performance with Cullen in the past might have influenced his decision to bring her back. Perhaps he needed familiar faces as he transitioned to Ferrari, a team with new dynamics.

Final Thoughts

Now that they are back together as part of Ferrari, both Hamilton and Cullen are looking forward to this new chapter. Their bond is not just professional; they share mutual respect and loyalty, as evidenced by their matching tattoos.

FAQ

Why did Angela Cullen leave Lewis Hamilton initially?

Angela Cullen did not resign; rather, it was a decision made by the management at the time, aiming for a change in dynamics within Team Lewis.

What role did Angela play in Lewis’s success?

Angela was not only his physiotherapist but also his support system, managing his meals, wardrobe, and even acting as a chauffeur, which allowed Hamilton to focus entirely on his racing.

How did fans react to their reunion?

Fans were thrilled at the news, with significant buzz across social media and major news outlets when the reunion was confirmed.