Lewis Hamilton 's recent split with performance coach Angela Cullen is set to 'make things worse' for the seven-time world champion, according to his former teammate Nico Rosberg.
Hamilton and Cullen announced their split ahead of last week's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where the Englishman finished fifth. Confirming the decision, he wrote on Instagram : "For the last seven years @cullen_angela has been by my side, pushing me to be the best version of myself.
"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 split comes in the wake of a tough 12 months for Hamilton, who has struggled to replicate the form that has made him one of the sport's greatest competitors, with his Mercedes car behind the pace of the leading Red Bull.
One man who knows the seven-time world champion well is Rosberg, having previously worked with Hamilton at Mercedes. As a result, the former driver believes his ex-teammate's decision to part ways with Cullen is only going to worsen the 38-year-old's form.
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Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I think that probably makes things even worse because even though the split apparently was amicable, you know, Angela was a real friend I think also to him. And it’s with your trainer that [you spend] most of the time during a race weekend.
"You end up also going to dinner in a very small, tight group with maybe a family member and a trainer and that’s it – and for Lewis not to have her as well, I’m sure it’s going to be not ideal, not so nice. I think probably that’s another challenge and difficulty that he has to deal with and get used to.”
As was the case in 2022, Hamilton has struggled to adapt to his Mercedes car this campaign, and the Englishman has made no secret of his is frustration. Speaking in Saudi Arabia last weekend, he said: "I just don't feel connected to this car. No matter what I do, no matter what I change, I can't get confidence in it. I'm at a bit of a loss. In the high-speed, the car is a little unstable on my set-up."
His struggles have led to a number a rumours that he could soon call time on his career at the Silver Arrows, but Hamilton reasured his fans he is not a 'quitter'. "I love this team. I am so grateful for everyone who has been on this journey with me," he added. "I don't envisage being anywhere else. I don't see myself quitting. I don't feel like I am a quitter."
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