Lewis Hamilton, the ex-Formula One champion, recently announced his split from his long-time trainer and friend, New Zealander Angela Cullen. The separation seemed abrupt, given Cullen’s presence during pre-season testing and the opening Grand Prix of the year in Bahrain. Despite the split, both insisted it was amicable, with Hamilton revealing they still text daily. He praised Cullen, saying, “I am a stronger athlete and a better person because of her.”
Nico Rosberg, Hamilton’s former teammate, noted the impact of Cullen’s departure, calling her a real friend to Hamilton. Rosberg suggested that even though the split was amicable, it probably added to Hamilton’s challenges.
Hamilton faced a difficult time after his defeat in the 2021 drivers’ title race, staying off social media for weeks. Cullen played a crucial role in persuading him to stay in the sport when he considered quitting, according to Mercedes’ team boss.
After taking a year off and indulging in extreme sports, Cullen returned to New Zealand and formed a new partnership with fellow Kiwi racer, Marcus Armstrong. Armstrong’s journey in European Formula racing saw early successes, including a title in the Italian Formula 4 and a strong performance in FIA F3 and F2 competitions. However, his transition to Formula 2 wasn’t as smooth, despite his talent.
Armstrong joined Chip Ganassi Racing for the last season’s Indycar competition, but his lack of oval racing experience hindered his performance. This season, however, he has competed in all seven rounds of Indycar, showing significant improvement, including two P5 positions, the latter at the Indianapolis Grand Prix.
Armstrong attributes this drastic change in form to his new relationship with Cullen. Surprised by her continued passion for motorsport, Armstrong said, “She’s extremely passionate about the sport… having her on board is a source of inspiration and guidance.” He emphasized that her experience with Mercedes and championship wins provided invaluable insights.
Cullen’s influence on Armstrong went beyond physical preparation. He highlighted her role in eliminating distractions, setting a performance-driven focus, and her meticulous approach to daily routines. “If it’s not delivering performance, then we’re not going to do it,” Armstrong stated, acknowledging her as more than just a physio but as a guiding force.
Armstrong believes Cullen’s influence will grow stronger throughout the Indycar season, benefiting from her expertise and experience from working with Hamilton.
Meanwhile, Hamilton is navigating the latter years of his career with Mercedes struggling to provide a competitive car. It has been 53 Grand Prix races since his last win, and he is currently trailing behind his teammate George Russell.
In contrast, Armstrong is gearing up for the iconic ‘Road to America’ race, a track with a storied history in the Indycar series. The event, which rejoined the schedule in 2016, is highly anticipated among racing fans.
The Williams F1 team, under new ownership by Dorilton Capital, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Despite a lean couple of decades, they remain second only to Ferrari in terms of constructor championships won, a promising sign for their future prospects.
Angela Cullen’s shift from Lewis Hamilton to Marcus Armstrong has been noteworthy. While Hamilton faces new challenges, Armstrong is benefitting immensely from Cullen’s expertise, showing promise in the Indycar series. This evolving dynamic highlights the significant impact a dedicated trainer can have on a driver’s performance and career trajectory.
