Angela Cullen, the renowned physiotherapist and long-time confidante of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, has sent shockwaves through the motorsport world with a bold five-word statement announcing her departure from Ferrari: “I can’t fix this alone.”
This dramatic revelation comes on the heels of Hamilton’s disappointing seventh-place finish at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2025, a race he described as “horrible” and marked by significant struggles with the Ferrari SF-25.
Cullen’s exit, just months after reuniting with Hamilton for his new chapter at Ferrari, raises questions about the team’s internal dynamics and Hamilton’s challenging transition from Mercedes.
Cullen and Hamilton’s professional relationship dates back to 2016, when she joined him at Mercedes as his physiotherapist, becoming a cornerstone of his support system through four world titles. Known for her relentless positivity and meticulous management of Hamilton’s physical and mental preparation, Cullen was often seen as a key factor in his success. The pair parted ways in March 2023, ahead of the Saudi Arabian GP that year, with Hamilton citing the need for a change after seven years together. During her absence, Cullen worked with IndyCar driver Marcus Armstrong, but speculation of a reunion with Hamilton grew as he prepared for his 2025 move to Ferrari. The reunion was confirmed during pre-season testing in Bahrain, with Hamilton expressing excitement about starting this new chapter together, describing their past month as “really awesome.”
However, the optimism quickly faded 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 a podium in third. Hamilton’s telemetry data revealed critical issues: massive understeer, high tire degradation, and a lack of pace, with him losing significant time across all sectors.
“I was just sliding around. It’s pretty bad,” Hamilton lamented, admitting he saw no fix in sight for the remainder of the season. This marked a stark contrast to his earlier Sprint race win in China, leaving fans and analysts puzzled about his sudden dip in form. Ferrari, expected to challenge for the constructors’ championship, has been outpaced by McLaren and Red Bull, further amplifying the pressure on Hamilton to deliver.
Cullen’s abrupt departure appears to stem from her inability to address these challenges single-handedly. Her five-word statement, “I can’t fix this alone,” suggests frustration with the broader team dynamics at Ferrari, where Hamilton has struggled to find the right setup and support to maximize his performance. Sources close to the team indicate that despite her efforts to stabilize Hamilton’s preparation, the car’s fundamental issues—highlighted by Leclerc’s own qualifying struggles—have hindered progress. Cullen, who joined Hamilton’s Project 44 company to assist with his Ferrari transition, was expected to bring familiarity and calm to a high-pressure environment. Yet, her exit hints at deeper systemic problems within Ferrari that even her expertise couldn’t overcome.
The timing of Cullen’s departure is particularly striking, coming just days after Hamilton’s public frustration in Jeddah. Some speculate that her decision may also reflect a desire to distance herself from a potentially tumultuous season, especially as Hamilton predicted a “painful” year ahead. Others point to her history of seeking new adventures, as seen during her 2023-2024 hiatus when she engaged in solo paragliding and supported Armstrong in IndyCar. Cullen’s statement could also be interpreted as a call for Ferrari to address its shortcomings collectively, rather than relying on individual efforts to salvage Hamilton’s campaign.
For Hamilton, losing Cullen mid-season is a significant blow. He previously credited her with making him a stronger athlete and person, and her return was seen as a stabilizing force amid his move to Ferrari. Now, as he prepares for the Miami Grand Prix, Hamilton must navigate these challenges without one of his closest allies, raising questions about his ability to turn his season around. Ferrari, meanwhile, faces scrutiny over its support structure and car development, with fans hoping this shake-up sparks meaningful change. Cullen’s exit may be the wake-up call Ferrari needs—or a sign of deeper troubles ahead for Hamilton’s dream move to the Scuderia.
