Lewis Hamilton will no longer be supported by his long-time physiotherapist and paddock ally Angela Cullen, the Mercedes star has announced.
Cullen has worked with the seven-time world champion for the last seven years. She is regularly spotted by his side and acts not only as a physio and assistant, but as a rock for the British racer in the paddock.
But that relationship is about to come to an end. Hamilton announced on Friday through a social media post that he and Cullen will no longer be working together. He posted several photos of them together along with an emotional message.
"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."
Cullen's day-to-day responsibilities were as a physiotherapist and assistant to Hamilton, but she means much more than that to the Mercedes star. She is one of his most trusted allies and confidants in the paddock.
The strength of their bonds is evidenced by the matching tattoos of the word "loyalty" that they had inked. It remains to be seen how much of a blow losing Cullen's in-person support will be to Hamilton.
He previously said of their bond: "People for sure won't understand it, naturally, because they see it from a distance, 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."
Cullen posted herself on social media: "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. 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."
