Angela Cullen, a key figure in the Formula 1 environment, has recently released a bold declaration that has shaken the world of motorsport.
After the disappointment of Lewis Hamilton at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, Cullen publicly revealed the reasons that led her to leave Ferrari, after having worked side by side with the seven times world champion.
His decision surprised many, in particular considering that the link between Cullen and Hamilton seemed to be solid and well consolidated, but recent events have pushed him to take a separate road.
During the interview, Angela Cullen exposed a series of personal and professional motivations that contributed to her choice to leave the Maranello team.
“Lewis’ difficulties during the Saudi Arabia GP were the culmination of a series of factors that could no longer be ignored,” said Cullen. “Ferrari failed to provide him with the right car to express his talent. In a team like Ferrari, where the pressure is always high, there is no room for uncertainty, and Lewis has heard him at any time of his career with the team.”

Hamilton, who had moved from Mercedes to Ferrari with great expectations, had a difficult start this season. Not only did he have struggled to achieve the results that was expected of him, but also had difficulties in managing his car, which did not seem to be up to his expectations and the level he had hoped to reach. After the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, in which Hamilton concluded in lower positions than teammate Charles Leclerc, the climate inside the team has become increasingly tense.

Cullen revealed that her decision to leave Ferrari was not easy, but it was a move that felt necessary for her professional well -being. “It is not only the result of the races that makes the difference, but also the way in which a pilot feels inside the team. The culture you breathe and the support you receive are essential. When this is missing, it is difficult to maintain the motivation,” he explained. “I have never had doubts that Lewis was an exceptional pilot, but his mood was starting to change. I saw the frustration grow and this influenced my decision to move away.”
Unfortunately Ferrari has struggled to offer a competitive car for Hamilton, and the performance difficulties put a strain on not only the pilot, but also the staff who supported him. Cullen added that the team was unable to provide the necessary support in a crucial moment of Hamilton’s career. “It was clear that Hamilton was not getting what he deserved. Ferrari was unable to keep the promises made in Lewis. It is difficult to work in these conditions, and I also felt that my role was no longer aligned with what I wanted to do professionally.”
His decision aroused a conflicting reaction between the fans and the Formula 1 experts. Some claimed that Cullen was trying to defend Hamilton and his choices, while others suggested that his departure was due to deeper differences with Ferrari’s management. Cullen’s statements, in fact, have done nothing but feed the doubts about the internal dynamics of the team, already under scrutiny for the scarce performances of Hamilton.
The Saudi Arabia Grand Prix was particularly difficult for Hamilton, who closed the race far from the head of the ranking, with Leclerc who continued to dominate in the team. The rumors of a possible return of Hamilton to Mercedes have already circulated, but for now, attention focuses on his next moves and on the support he will receive from the closest members of his staff. Cullen, however, is no longer part of this picture, and its absence will make itself felt inside the team.
In summary, Angela Cullen’s farewell to Ferrari marks an important turning point in the Hamilton season. The difficulties encountered by the pilot with the car and the frustration he tried had an evident impact also on his team. Cullen’s choice to move away was motivated by the desire to align her professional path with her personal values, but her departure raises questions about the challenges that Hamilton and Ferrari will have to face to find competitiveness. It will be interesting to see how the team will respond to the difficulties of this season and if they manage to get back on track in time for the next races.