The news of Lewis Hamilton’s split from trainer Angela Cullen dropped yesterday. Further details have emerged today thanks to Toto Wolff.
A shock to the paddock came in the form of a social post on Instagram from the 7 time world Champion and his Assistant Angela Cullen. Lewis Hamilton‘s split from Angela, comes after they had been working together for 7 years.
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This came as a huge surprise as the pair were always together and appeared to have a great bond; Even to the point of having the same ‘Loyalty’ tattoos.
Today in conversation with the media, Toto Wolff has given further details on why the pairing are parting ways. He points at Lewis being the initiator for the change in his personal team.
“Angela was part of the gang for a long time.
“I think in every team, whether that is his close circle, or also in the wider group, this is not a static situation that you can freeze, because we all develop as people.
“We develop as an organisation and if things don’t work out anymore, then we need to be honest about it and then bring change.
“Angela will always be a mascot of the team. She’s the only one who has a louder voice than a starting car!
“But, if this is what [Hamilton] decides, we will always absolutely support him, whatever direction he wants to take.”
Toto Wolff on Lewis Hamilton’s Split with Angela Cullen
Angela has been part of Lewis Hamilton’s team since 2016. When his old PT/Physiotherapist Aki Hintsa died. She has been with him ever since, in a very close role of physiotherapist, personal trainer, dietician, and general assistant. While they were together, Lewis has won 4 Drivers World Championships and helped the team win 6 Constructors World Championships.
This manoeuvre seems to be a part of Lewis Hamilton’s own “honest appraisal”. Which comes after a less than successful season in 2022 with the team.
This news comes off the back of criticism by Hamilton, aimed at the Mercedes Team. After a lacklustre performance in the first race of the 2023 season. Lewis implied that his suggestions for the team were ignored. This caused rumours to circulate around the paddock that Lewis may be in for a team switch in the not too distant future.
Toto Wolff has responded to these claims.
“I don’t think that Lewis will leave Mercedes,”
“He’s at the stage of a career where we trust each other, we have formed the great bond among each other and we have no reason to doubt each other, even though this is a difficult spell.
“But so nice it will be when we come out of this valley of tears and come back to solid performances.
“As a driver, nevertheless, if he wants to win another championship, he needs to make sure that he has the car.
“If we cannot demonstrate that we’re able to give him a car in the next couple of years, then he needs to look elsewhere.
“I don’t think he’s doing it at that stage, but I will have no grudge if that happens in a year or two.”
Toto Wolff on the potential for losing Lewis Hamilton
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