Lewis Hamilton has unveiled his new-look Formula 1 support team almost two months on from his split with long-time ally Angela Cullen.
She worked with the Brit for seven years and acts as one of his closest and most trusted confidants in the paddock during that time. How much Cullen's support meant to the Mercedes star was obvious, given the glowing appraisals he would give of her work.
But, ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Hamilton announced to the world that their partnership had come to an end. Later explaining that decision, the seven-time world champion said Cullen was off "living her life" and revealed they remain in daily contact.
Speaking to reporters in Miami this week, he said the responsibilities which used to be carried out by Cullen has now been divided. "I have a slightly different setup. The role is shared between two individuals," he explained.
"The setup I have, right now, is great. One of the guys, Stevo, has been with me since my first race at McLaren. He also came here when I moved from McLaren to here as my gearbox technician. And then he's moved on to several different roles and he's helping me right now.
"Otherwise I'm working with someone on my training, Kylie. I have Santi here as well, I have Penni. I have a great support structure." 'Stevo' is a reference to his old race team coordinator Stephen Lord, while Penni Thow is a talent manager for sports stars and media who has been working with Hamilton for two years.
He added: "The rest of my team is the same. Ange and I were talking just the other day. We stay in contact consistently. We are always going to be in each other's lives, always looking forward to the next fun adventure.
"Whether it be skydiving, whether it be climbing Mount Everest together at some stage. Who knows? And just continuing to support each other's journeys."
Hamilton has said it is a "dream" to be racing F1 cars in Miami, but spoke out against recent laws passed in Florida banning the teaching of LGBT issues in schools. "I stand by those within the community here and I hope they continue to stand firm and push back," he said, as he confirmed he would be wearing the rainbow flag on his helmet this weekend.
