Ex-Formula 1 driver turned pundit Martin Brundle believes losing friend and trainer Angela Cullen is “not great news” for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, with the duo having announced on social media ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix that their time together had come to an end.
Cullen started working for the Mercedes star in 2016, with the pair having been inseparable both at the racetrack and off of it.
She has been by Hamilton’s side throughout the last seven years, a period which has seen the 38-year-old claim four world titles.
In a social media post, Hamilton thanked Cullen for having pushed him “to be the best version of myself”, with the British driver admitting that he’s a “better person because of her”.
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“For the last seven years @cullen_angela has been by my side, pushing me to be the best version of myself. I am a stronger athlete and a better person because of her,” Hamilton wrote on social media.
“So today I hope you’ll join me in wishing her the very best as she takes her next steps to pursue her dreams. Thank you for everything Ang, I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you.”
On announcing her departure from Hamilton’s side, Cullen added how “excited” she is for her “next adventure”, but that it’d been “such an honour and pleasure” to see the Mercedes star accomplish so much.
“Exactly 7 yrs ago on this day I was standing in the F1 paddock for the first time at the Australian GP. Today I’m excited to share I’m off on my next adventure,” Cullen wrote on social media.
“I am so grateful and blessed to have had this incredible journey in F1 and I know my story will continue. Thanks to the MB team, who have been my family for the past 7 years.
“And @lewishamilton you GOAT!! It’s been such an honour and pleasure to stand along side you I’m so proud of you and everything you have achieved.”
Whilst emotions were clearly very high following the news, Brundle admitted that he didn’t think Cullen’s departure was good for Hamilton.
Whilst Brundle doesn’t expect Hamilton’s performances to worsen, he does believe he’ll need to “find someone new”, given how integral Cullen was in his life.
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“It’s not great news for Lewis,” Brundle told Sky Sports F1.
“Whenever you saw Lewis in the paddock or pit lane Angela was with him supporting him. When he was off training she’d be with him as well. So he’ll have to find someone new, nothing’s forever as we know.
“I’m sure it won’t detract from his overall performance, but it’s such a treadmill now the Formula One season and Angela wants to go and do something else.
“She’s got some young children hasn’t she and I can understand being on the road like we are in Formula One is quite the challenge.”