Angela Cullen’s shocking farewell to Ferrari after Hamilton’s Saudi GP struggles
Angela Cullen, the renowned physiotherapist and longtime confidante of seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, shocked the motorsport world with a bold five-word statement announcing her departure from Ferrari: “I can’t solve this alone.” The dramatic revelation follows Hamilton’s disappointing seventh-place finish at the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, a race he described as “horrible” and marked by significant struggles with the Ferrari SF-25. Cullen’s departure, just months after reuniting with Hamilton for his next chapter at Ferrari, raises questions about the team’s internal dynamics and Hamilton’s difficult transition from Mercedes.
Cullen and Hamilton’s professional relationship dates back to 2016, when she joined him as a physiotherapist at Mercedes, becoming a pillar of his support system throughout his four world titles. Known for her relentless positivity and meticulous management of Hamilton’s physical and mental preparation, Cullen has often been credited as a key factor in his success. The pair split in March 2023, ahead of that year’s Saudi Arabian GP, ​​with Hamilton expressing the need for a change after seven years together. During his absence, Cullen worked with IndyCar driver Marcus Armstrong, but speculation about a possible reunion with Hamilton grew as the latter prepared to join Ferrari in 2025. The reunion was confirmed during pre-season testing in Bahrain, with Hamilton saying he was excited to begin this new chapter together, describing their final month as “really fantastic.”
However, optimism quickly evaporated as Hamilton struggled to adapt to Ferrari’s SF-25. At the Saudi Arabian GP, ​​he finished 31 seconds behind teammate Charles Leclerc, who secured third place on the podium. Hamilton’s telemetry data revealed critical issues: significant understeer, severe tire degradation, and a lack of pace, with significant losses in all sectors.
“I was sliding. It’s quite serious,” complained Hamilton, admitting he saw no solution for the rest of the season. It marked a stark contrast to his previous victory in the Sprint Race in China, leaving fans and analysts perplexed by his sudden drop in form. Ferrari, expected to fight for the constructors’ championship, was overtaken by McLaren and Red Bull, further increasing the pressure on Hamilton.
Cullen’s sudden departure appears to stem from his inability to tackle these challenges alone. His five-word statement, “I can’t solve this alone,” suggests frustration with the broader dynamics of the Ferrari team, where Hamilton has struggled to find the right setup and support to maximize his performance. Sources close to the team say that despite his efforts to stabilize Hamilton’s preparation, fundamental problems with the car—highlighted by Leclerc’s struggles in qualifying—have hampered his progress. Cullen, who joined Hamilton’s Project 44 to assist in his transition to Ferrari, was expected to bring familiarity and calm to a high-pressure environment. Yet his departure suggests deeper, systemic problems within Ferrari that even his experience has failed to address.
The timing of Cullen’s departure is particularly surprising, coming just days after Hamilton’s public outburst in Jeddah. Some speculate that his decision may also reflect a desire to distance himself from a potentially tumultuous season, especially since Hamilton predicted a “painful” year ahead. Others point to his history of seeking new adventures, as demonstrated by his 2023-24 hiatus, when he took up solo paragliding and supported Armstrong in IndyCar. Cullen’s statement could also be interpreted as a call for Ferrari to collectively address its shortcomings, rather than relying on individual efforts to salvage Hamilton’s campaign.
For Hamilton, losing Cullen mid-season is a significant blow. He previously credited him with making him a stronger athlete and person, and his return was seen as a stabilizing force before his move to Ferrari. As he prepares for the Miami Grand Prix, Hamilton faces these challenges without one of his closest allies, raising doubts about his ability to turn around the season. Ferrari, meanwhile, is under scrutiny for its support structure and car development, with fans hoping this shakeup will bring about significant changes. Cullen’s departure could be the wake-up call Ferrari needs, or a sign of deeper problems ahead for Hamilton’s dream move to the Scuderia.
