Ever since Lewis Hamilton announced the departure of his performance coach Angela Cullen, many speculated about the reason for her ouster. Some felt that things weren’t going too well between the two lately and resultantly, Lewis fired her. Others believed Briton’s version that she wanted to venture out to pursue her own ambitions. Hamilton has now come out to set the record straight and put any and every rumor to bed.
Before the start of the Saudi Arabian GP weekend, Hamilton announced Cullen’s departure with a heartfelt message on Instagram. Some toxic fans, however, did not take well to the news, accusing her of leaving him stranded during a time when he was going through possibly the worst slump in his life and needed her the most.
Fans breathe a sigh of relief as Lewis Hamilton issues clarification on Angela Cullen’s departure
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Right from the practice sessions to the qualifying yesterday, Lewis isn’t having the best time in Jeddah. The 38-year-old could only manage an 8th-fastest finish (but will start in P7 owing to Charles Leclerc’s grid penalty) and talked about his inability to extract the best out of the car. He overall seemed sadder, and many felt it was because of Angela leaving.
In a post-qualifying interview with Viaplay, he told, “She’s moving on to a different phase in her life. We’re still super-close and we have been texting every day. I’m so grateful to have had her with me on this journey. She’s one of my closest friends and she continues to be.”
The statement cleared any rumors of a rift between the duo that was always spotted together in the paddocks, right from their arrival to leaving.
Have a look at some reactions to his comments on Twitter.
Now all the rumours can end.
— Mo Mpiira (@reezi02) March 18, 2023
Behind a great man there is always a woman🙏🏻💜💜
— JOELLE CHOPIN (@joellechopin) March 19, 2023
Some fans wished Angela the best for her future plans and endeavors.
Will miss seeing Angela alongside you. What a rock & constant presence she has been.
Best wishes for your future @cullen_angela
Onwards & Upwards— Sarah Thomas (@SarahTh30964007) March 19, 2023
Hm.. I think he really needs a reset. These past days are just off. https://t.co/wkzCibMD75
— Adelaide (@adelaideee10) March 19, 2023
Instead of coming back stronger from the underwhelming last year, Mercedes have delivered arguably another non-competitive car. This clearly hasn’t gone down well with Lewis, who earlier accused his team of not taking his feedback seriously. One fan felt this was the time when he needed Angela the most bu his side.
I feel like right now is the time Lewis needs her the most… he doesn’t get that kind of support from anyone but Ang
— Joe 🐺 (@JoeWei94) March 18, 2023
I think although nothing bad happens between them, he surely affected by it. Nevertheless, he's still will deliver tonight.
— Wan Hafiz (@onehafist) March 19, 2023
💜💜💜🫶 bit we will miss Ange
— ailui (@m_ailui) March 19, 2023
One fan hoped that the duo connected after Lewis’ underwhelming P8 finish in the qualifying on Saturday.
I hope he texted Ange tonight to hear some great words of encouragement. I know Lewis talks about still doubting his abilities from time to time even though he has already smashed every record in F1 & has no reason to doubt himself.
I believe in you @LewisHamilton https://t.co/wlYsAWb5lQ
— WhatoF1t (@WhatoF1t) March 19, 2023
That he has to answer these fncking questions!!! https://t.co/rHzyc7KWGX
— PG876🇯🇲 (@PG876) March 18, 2023
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Watch This Story: Sir Lewis Hamilton fanboys over Zendaya and cheekily tries to land Euphoria role at Paris Fashion Week
Hopefully this ends all the silly talk around the paddock 🥹
— The 44 (@_the44) March 18, 2023
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Apart from Lewis, Max Verstappen, and Charles Leclerc are the other front runners who wouldn’t start from their usual places. Where do you think they will end up on race day? Will any of these three get on the podium?