Lewis Hamilton announces departure of long-term physiotherapist and assistant Angela Cullen after seven years
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Updated 17/03/2023 at 15:54 GMT
Lewis Hamilton has announced the departure of his long-term physiotherapist and assistant Angela Cullen. Cullen has worked with Hamilton for the last seven years, but the seven-time world champion confirmed the pair have gone their separate ways on social media. Hamilton will be in action this weekend at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah after a disappointing season-opener in Bahrain.
'It looked a bit lonely out there...' - Verstappen after Bahrain GP win
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has confirmed that he and his long-term physiotherapist and assistant Angela Cullen have parted ways.
Hamilton broke the news on Instagram, thanking Cullun for the time she worked with the seven-time world champion, not only as his physio and assistant, but as one of his most trusted allies in the paddock.
Cullen spent seven years to the day with Hamilton, who insists he is a “stronger athlete and better person” because of her influence.
"For the last seven years, Angela Cullen has been by my side, pushing me to be the best version of myself," he 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."
The pair reportedly have matching tattoos with the word “loyalty” inked on them, which shows the special bond they share.
Hamilton will miss her in-person support and recently claimed she was “one of the greatest things” to happen to him.
"People for sure won't understand it, naturally, because they see it from a distance,” he said. “But she has been one of the greatest things that's happened to me in my life.
“I've been fortunate to work with a lot of people... and she's the single hardest-working woman that I get to be around.
"She's focused, selfless, and she makes my weekends peaceful. Every day I wake up, whatever time it is, she's just positive – never a single day has she been negative, so that's very, very important.
"I think it's important in life to put positive people around you. You can't be going around with dead weights, you can't be going around with people who don't inspire you to be better and lift you up when you're down.
“You need to be around people who can do that for you, and she's one of them."
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'It looked a bit lonely out there...' - Verstappen after Bahrain GP win
Cullen took to social media herself to address her departure.
"Exactly seven years ago on this day I was standing in the F1 paddock for the first time at the Australian GP," she said. "Today I'm excited to share I'm off on my next adventure. I am so grateful and blessed to have had this incredible journey in F1 and I know my story will continue.
“Thanks to the MB team, who have been my family for the past 7 years. And Lewis Hamilton 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... Life's journey is one big wave. Keep riding, dream big as dreams do come true. Forever by your side. STILL WE RISE."
Hamilton finished sixth place in FP1 ahead of the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, 0.018 seconds adrift of Mercedes team-mate George Russell in fifth as the pair were over one second behind Max Verstappen, who set the pace in Jeddah.
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