Lewis Hamilton had developed an extremely close bond with Angela Cullen during their seven years working together; the New Zealander says she is taking on a new "adventure"; watch the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend
Sunday 19 March 2023 12:53, UK
Lewis Hamilton has confirmed Angela Cullen has left her role as his performance coach after a seven-year partnership.
After joining Hamilton in 2016, Cullen was alongside the Brit for his four successive world championships from 2017-2020.
The New Zealander, who is not with Hamilton at this weekend's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, became a key member of the 38-year-old's team and was a near-constant presence with him around the Formula 1 paddock.
Both Hamilton and Cullen posted on Instagram on Friday confirming her departure, but did not provide a clear reason for the decision.
"For the last seven years @cullen_angela has been by my side, pushing me to be the best version of myself," Hamilton wrote.
"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 "
Cullen said that she is off on her next "adventure", but has not yet confirmed what her new role away from Hamilton and Mercedes will be.
"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," Cullen wrote.
"And @lewishamilton you GOAT !! It's been such an honour and pleasure to stand along side 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…"
Sky Sports F1's Martin Brundle said that Cullen's departure is "not great news" for Hamilton, as he continues his quest for a record eighth drivers' title.
"It's not great news for Lewis, because whenever you saw Lewis in the pit lane or paddock Angela was with him supporting him. When he was off training, she'd be with him as well," Brundle said.
"So he'll have to find somebody new, but nothing's forever, as we know.
"I'm sure it won't detract from his overall performance, but it's such a treadmill now the Formula 1 season, and Angela wants to go and do something else - you can completely understand that."
Toto Wolff spoke glowingly of Cullen as a "cheerleader" but said that "if things don't work out anymore then we need to be honest about it".
"Angela was a part of the gang for a long time," said Wolff.
"I think in every team, this is not a static situation that you can freeze because we all develop as people and as an organisation and if things don't work out anymore then we need to be honest about it and bring change.
"Angela will always be a cheerleader of the team - she is the only one who has a louder voice than a starting car.
"But if this is what he decides, we will always absolutely support him whatever direction he wants to take."
Sunday
1:35pm: F2 Feature Race
3.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday Saudi Arabian GP build-up
5pm: THE SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX
7pm: Chequered flag: Saudi Arabian GP Reaction
Watch the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend with Sunday's race live at 5pm. Get Sky Sports
