After working with Hamilton for seven years in Formula One, Angela Cullen was considered a major contributing factor to the British driver’s five consecutive titles from 2015 to 2020.
Anglela Cullen, the former trainer of Lewis Hamilton, has opened up about leaving Mercedes last year.She has disclosed that she had previously retired from motorsports before collaborating with IndyCar earlier this year.
Serving as his physiotherapist and one of his most dependable allies, Cullen collaborated with Hamilton for seven years in Formula One, and it was believed that Cullen played a significant role in the British driver’s five consecutive championship victories between 2015 and 2020.
Though it was announced last year that Cullen would be leaving Mercedes, she was later seen collaborating with fellow New Zealander Marcus Armstrong at IndyCar in early 2024.
Speaking candidly about her choice to leave Formula One and join the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Cullen stated that she had originally planned to retire from the motorsports industry before discovering a new lease on life in IndyCar.
She said on the IndyCar Series YouTube channel, “I thought I was moving away from motorsports when I left Formula One.” Actually, I retired. After taking a year off from work last year, I got in touch with Marcus Armstrong. I merely provided background work and mental skills training for him. He was sponsored by SOS Hydration, and I was sponsored by them during the off-season.
“‘Do you want to come to a race?’ [Armstrong] asked. I expressed my desire to come out. I was just hit by IndyCar. It is a lot of fun. It just made me fall in love. Both the racing and the drivers are amazing. I came, and I’m still here.”
She continued by describing the “huge learning curve” she experienced as a result of working in Formula One, her first job in motorsports: “I came into motorsport and I went straight to Formula One.” I spent seven years working for Mercedes-Benz under Lewis Hamilton. It was a steep learning curve for me because I had to learn about the demands placed on drivers in addition to the sport itself.”
Cullen first wrote about the British star when they announced their breakup in March 2023: “It’s been such an honor and pleasure to stand alongside you.” I’m incredibly proud of everything you’ve accomplished. I appreciate your encouragement, faith in me, and demonstration of the boundless potential we all possess. I can’t wait to watch the upcoming chapter with you. Nothing is beyond your power.”
In a recent interview, Hamilton said he was “extremely grateful” to Cullen for her support and that he still messages her “every day” even after she left.
“Sadly, or fortunately, we’re stuck together,” he exclaimed. “We’ve experienced both good and bad times. I’m happy that our relationship is going so well. I would say that our relationship is probably one of the longest in the sport. I adore her and am so very thankful for her.”
Since then, Hamilton has replaced Cullen with two employees, talent manager Penni Thow and his former team race coordinator Stephen Lord, who both handle Cullen’s former duties.
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