he Surprising Reunion of Angela Cullen and Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari: What Does It Mean for Their Future?

When Lewis Hamilton made the seismic move to Ferrari in 2024, it sent shockwaves throughout the Formula 1 world. The seven-time world champion, who had spent 16 years at Mercedes and become synonymous with their dominance, was about to embark on a new chapter with one of F1’s most storied teams. But, Hamilton didn’t want to do this alone. Known for surrounding himself with familiar faces, he quickly initiated “Project 44,” a personal initiative that would help him transition smoothly into Ferrari.

One key figure in this project, whose name immediately caught the attention of F1 fans, was Angela Cullen. For many, the association between Cullen and Hamilton represented more than just professional collaboration; it symbolized an important chapter in Hamilton’s life. After a shock split in 2023, Hamilton and Cullen have now reunited, and the question on everyone’s mind is: Can this reunion help Hamilton regain his old form, or is it too little too late?

Who Is Angela Cullen?

Angela Cullen, born in Devonport, New Zealand, on August 5, 1974, may not have been a household name before her association with Hamilton, but she has built an impressive career in sports physiotherapy. After an initial foray into field hockey at the junior level, Cullen pursued a degree in health science and physiotherapy. She later moved to the UK, where she worked with top-tier athletes and teams, including the British Olympic Committee and UK Athletics.

During her time with UK Athletics, Cullen worked with the 4x100m relay team that won gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Her reputation as a highly skilled physiotherapist was solidified as she worked with athletes from a variety of disciplines. But it was in 2015 that Cullen’s career would take a significant turn when she joined Hinsa Performance—a company founded by McLaren’s longtime physiotherapist Ekki Hinsa.

The Partnership with Hamilton

In 2015, when Hamilton lost his long-time physiotherapist Ekki Hinsa unexpectedly, Cullen stepped in as his new personal physiotherapist. Hinsa had been a major influence on Hamilton’s career, particularly in terms of sports medicine, and replacing him would not have been an easy task. But Cullen rose to the occasion.

Cullen’s partnership with Hamilton began at a pivotal moment in the Brit’s career. After narrowly losing the 2016 World Championship to Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg, Hamilton entered a period of dominance, winning four consecutive titles from 2017 to 2020. Cullen played a vital role in ensuring that Hamilton was physically prepared for each season, and their close working relationship became well known in the paddock.

Cullen was often seen accompanying Hamilton on race weekends, preparing meals, helping him recover, and making sure he was in optimal condition for the track. She wasn’t just a physiotherapist; her role was multifaceted, sometimes taking on the responsibilities of a manager, driving Hamilton to the track and helping him focus on racing by handling other logistical matters.

This close relationship between the two was apparent in Hamilton’s comments. After equaling Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles, Hamilton called Cullen one of the “greatest things that’s happened to me in my life.” Their partnership seemed unshakable.

The Split in 2023

However, in early 2023, the F1 world was stunned when Hamilton and Cullen announced their split. Cullen no longer accompanied Hamilton to the pre-season testing or the early races of the season. In Saudi Arabia, Hamilton confirmed the news: he was no longer working with Cullen. Mercedes’ Toto Wolff initially claimed that the split was Hamilton’s decision, but Hamilton later clarified that it was Cullen herself who requested to be relieved of her role.

The reason behind the separation was clear. Cullen wanted to take a step back from F1’s intense schedule to spend time with her family. She had been unable to do so due to the relentless demands of the sport. Although the separation was amicable, F1 pundits questioned the timing of the move, especially considering Hamilton was coming off one of the worst seasons of his career. The loss of Cullen, who had been a key figure in his support system, seemed to make an already difficult situation worse.

Despite the challenges, Cullen’s departure gave her time to travel with her husband and three children, experiencing a world beyond the F1 paddock. She briefly worked with IndyCar driver Marcus Armstrong before rumors began circulating in 2024 about a potential reunion with Hamilton at Ferrari.

A New Chapter: Reunion at Ferrari

Hamilton’s decision to move to Ferrari was unexpected, and his announcement came with the revelation of “Project 44.” This initiative was designed to help him manage his transition to Ferrari and put him in a position to win again. As part of this, he quickly reconnected with several familiar faces, including his former manager, Mark Hines, and, much to the delight of fans, Angela Cullen.

Cullen made a cryptic post on social media in January 2025, featuring a red number 44, a clear sign that she would be rejoining Hamilton. Later, during Hamilton’s first visit to Maranello, Cullen was seen in red overalls, standing alongside Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur. It was clear that she had returned to Hamilton’s side, though this time, her role would be different.

Cullen’s involvement in “Project 44” will be more focused on her work as a physiotherapist. She will no longer take on the responsibilities of managing Hamilton’s career during race weekends, a role she had previously played at Mercedes. Nonetheless, her presence will undoubtedly be a key support for Hamilton, who has been struggling with Ferrari’s SF25 and adapting to the new team dynamic.

Can This Reunion Save Hamilton’s Ferrari Career?

Since joining Ferrari, Hamilton has faced several challenges. Despite his immense talent, he has struggled to match the performance of his teammate, Charles Leclerc. With a car that is not yet competitive enough to challenge for titles, Hamilton has often looked frustrated, and there are mounting questions about his ability to turn things around. Some pundits have even suggested that Hamilton’s move to Ferrari could be a mistake, considering his age and the lack of results.

Cullen’s return could provide the stability and support Hamilton needs during this challenging phase. But, the big question remains: Can the pair rekindle their magic? Will Cullen be able to help Hamilton rediscover the form that made him one of the greatest F1 drivers in history, or will the reunion prove to be a costly mistake?

Hamilton has always relied heavily on the people around him, and the return of Cullen could be a pivotal factor in his ability to overcome the difficulties he faces at Ferrari. However, much will depend on whether the SF25 can be competitive and whether the British driver can adapt to his new team quickly enough to challenge for podiums and victories.

Conclusion

The reunion of Angela Cullen and Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari is a fascinating development in the world of Formula 1. After a successful and close partnership at Mercedes, their split in 2023 raised many eyebrows, particularly given Hamilton’s struggles in recent seasons. However, their reunion at Ferrari signifies that both Hamilton and Cullen still have a strong bond and a shared desire to succeed.

Whether or not this reunion will lead to success at Ferrari remains to be seen. The challenges Hamilton faces are not insignificant, and the SF25’s performance will ultimately be the deciding factor. However, one thing is certain: With Cullen by his side once again, Hamilton will have one of the most experienced and supportive professionals in his corner as he seeks to write the next chapter of his storied career.

Only time will tell if Hamilton’s move to Ferrari—and the return of Angela Cullen—will mark the beginning of a new era of success or if it will go down as a missed opportunity in the twilight of his F1 career.