The Formula 1 world was rocked just 10 minutes ago by a stunning announcement from Angela Cullen, the renowned physiotherapist and long-time confidante of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
In a cryptic yet powerful five-word statement, Cullen declared, “I’ve chosen to chase my truth,” revealing her decision to part ways with Ferrari following Hamilton’s catastrophic performance at the Spanish Grand Prix in 2025.
This bombshell has sent shockwaves through the paddock, leaving fans and insiders scrambling to understand the implications of her departure and the reasons behind it.
Cullen’s exit comes on the heels of a tumultuous weekend at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where Hamilton endured one of the most challenging races of his illustrious career.
The seven-time champion, who joined Ferrari in 2025 with high hopes of securing an unprecedented eighth world title, struggled with the SF-25 car, finishing well outside the points after a series of strategic missteps and mechanical woes.
Reports from the weekend highlighted Hamilton’s frustration, with the Briton reportedly describing the car’s performance as “unacceptable” during team radio communications. For Cullen, who had reunited with Hamilton at Ferrari after a brief hiatus from Formula 1, the Spanish GP appears to have been the breaking point.
The New Zealander’s journey with Hamilton has been one of the most storied partnerships in modern F1. From 2016 to 2023, Cullen was a constant presence by Hamilton’s side at Mercedes, serving not only as his physiotherapist but also as a trusted friend and mental anchor. Together, they celebrated four world championships, forging a bond that transcended the professional realm. Their split in early 2023, after just one race, shocked the F1 community, with speculation pointing to management decisions within Hamilton’s inner circle as the cause. Cullen briefly ventured into IndyCar, working with fellow Kiwi Marcus Armstrong, before returning to Hamilton’s side for his Ferrari chapter in 2025.
Her return to F1 was met with enthusiasm, particularly after she was spotted in Ferrari red during pre-season testing in Bahrain. Hamilton himself spoke glowingly of their reunion, telling Sky Sports F1, “We have a great relationship, me and Ange. We’ve gone through a lot together, and asking her to come and start this new chapter with me was really exciting.” Fans hoped her presence would provide the stability Hamilton needed to adapt to Ferrari’s high-pressure environment. However, the Spanish GP exposed cracks in this vision, with Hamilton’s lackluster performance raising questions about the team’s cohesion and strategy.
Cullen’s five-word statement, delivered via a now-deleted Instagram post, has sparked intense speculation about her reasons for leaving. Sources close to the situation suggest that her departure was driven by a combination of professional and personal factors. The Spanish GP’s fallout reportedly highlighted tensions within Ferrari’s performance team, with Cullen struggling to align her holistic approach to Hamilton’s preparation with the team’s high-stakes demands. Insiders claim that Ferrari’s intense scrutiny and the pressure to deliver immediate results clashed with Cullen’s philosophy of fostering long-term mental and physical resilience. Her statement, “I’ve chosen to chase my truth,” suggests a desire to prioritize her own values over the relentless expectations of Ferrari’s storied legacy.
The timing of Cullen’s exit is particularly striking, as it follows Hamilton’s public acknowledgment of his struggles at the Spanish GP. Speaking to reporters, he admitted, “It’s probably just me,” taking partial responsibility for the team’s failure to capitalize on the SF-25’s potential. This self-criticism, coupled with Ferrari’s underwhelming performance, may have compounded Cullen’s decision to step away. Dr. Martin Turner, a sports psychologist, previously noted that Cullen’s presence provided Hamilton with a “perception of high social support,” crucial for managing stress. Her absence could now pose a significant challenge for Hamilton as he navigates the remainder of the 2025 season.
For Ferrari, Cullen’s departure adds to the mounting pressure on team principal Fred Vasseur, who has been tasked with restoring the Scuderia to championship glory. The team’s 2025 campaign has been inconsistent, with Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc showing flashes of brilliance but struggling to match the pace of rivals like McLaren and Red Bull. Fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment, with many questioning whether Ferrari’s internal dynamics are hindering Hamilton’s pursuit of an eighth title.
As the F1 circus moves to the next race, Cullen’s bold exit leaves more questions than answers. Her decision to “chase her truth” signals a new chapter for the 50-year-old, who has always been driven by a passion for personal growth and adventure. For Hamilton, the loss of his trusted ally could mark a turning point in his Ferrari journey, testing his resilience in a season already fraught with challenges. The paddock will be watching closely to see how this dramatic development shapes the narrative of the 2025 season.
