Lewis Hamilton Reunites with Trusted Trainer Angela Cullen for Ferrari Era
By Andrew Benson, Chief F1 Writer
MARANELLO, Italy — In a move that has delighted Formula 1 fans worldwide, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has reunited with his long-time physiotherapist and performance coach Angela Cullen as he prepares for his highly anticipated debut season with Ferrari in 2025.
The New Zealander, who was a constant presence at Hamilton’s side during his dominant Mercedes years from 2016 to 2023, has joined Hamilton’s Project 44 company as team physiotherapist and performance specialist. The reunion, confirmed in January 2025, comes as Hamilton embarks on one of the biggest challenges of his illustrious career: driving for the Scuderia after 12 years with Mercedes.
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Lewis Hamilton arrives at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters in January 2025, marking the start of his new chapter in red. (Credit: Ferrari Media)
Cullen’s return was first spotted during Hamilton’s initial private test at Ferrari’s Fiorano track, where she appeared in team gear. Sources close to the 40-year-old Briton say the decision to bring her back was driven by a desire for familiarity amid the seismic shift to Ferrari. “It’s always important to have a good foundation of people around you,” Hamilton told reporters during pre-season testing in Bahrain. “I’ve brought Ange in on top of the team I had last year. It’s exciting.”
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Hamilton and Cullen during their successful Mercedes era, celebrating a victory. (Credit: Getty Images/Kym Illman)
The pair’s original partnership yielded extraordinary success: five of Hamilton’s seven titles (2017-2020, plus contributions to earlier ones) came with Cullen managing his physical conditioning, mental preparation, and race weekend logistics. Known for her relentless work ethic, Cullen became more than a trainer—she was a confidante, often seen skydiving or adventuring with Hamilton off-track. They even share matching tattoos symbolizing their bond.
Their amicable split in March 2023, announced ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, surprised the paddock. Hamilton described it as Cullen pursuing “new dreams,” while she worked briefly with IndyCar driver Marcus Armstrong. Yet they remained close, exchanging messages and vacationing together.
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Hamilton and Cullen share a celebratory hug after a Grand Prix win in their Mercedes days. (Credit: Getty Images)
Speculation about a reunion ignited in early 2025 with cryptic social media posts: Cullen shared skiing photos in red attire with a “44” flag visible, coinciding with Hamilton’s birthday posts. Confirmation followed when she was seen in Fiorano and later during Bahrain testing, delivering breakfast to Hamilton in Ferrari red.
Project 44, Hamilton’s management company overseeing his racing and business interests (including Mission 44 charity), now includes Cullen under performance director Marc Hynes. Experts suggest her presence could provide a psychological “reset” for Hamilton, who has spoken of needing positive energy in a new environment—new team, new engineer (Riccardo Adami replacing Peter Bonnington), and new culture in Italy.
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Angela Cullen back in action alongside Hamilton during 2025 pre-season preparations. (Credit: ESPN/Sky Sports)
Hamilton has been effusive in past praise: “She’s one of the greatest things that’s ever happened to me… the hardest-working woman I know. She makes my weekends peaceful.” Data underscores the impact—Hamilton averaged higher points per race with Cullen than without since 2023.
As the 2025 season approaches (opening in Australia in March), this reunion adds intrigue to Hamilton’s quest for an eighth title in Ferrari’s SF-25. Teammate Charles Leclerc welcomes the dynamic, while rivals watch closely. For Hamilton, Cullen’s return isn’t just professional—it’s personal, restoring a proven formula for success in red.
The F1 world awaits what this formidable duo can achieve anew.
