In a surprise move, Lewis Hamilton and his performance coach, Angela Cullen have announced that have parted company after seven years.

The New Zealander, mum-of-two, was rarely away from the driver's side, even on non-race weekends, however, ahead of today's opening practice session both took to Instagram to announce the decision to ‘split’.

"Exactly 7 years ago on this day I was standing in the F1 paddock for the first time at the Australian GP," wrote Cullen, a former International hockey player turned physiotherapist who previously worked with the renowned Hintsa Performance. "Today I'm excited to share l'm off on my next adventure.

"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 Lewis Hamilton you GOAT! It's been such an honour and pleasure to stand alongside you, I'm so proud of you and everything you have achieved.

"Thank you for supporting me, believing in me and showing me the limitless potential we all have within us. I am so excited to watch the next chapter for you. There's nothing you can't do."

"For the last seven years @cullen_angela has been by my side," responded Hamilton, "pushing me to be the best version of myself. I am a stronger athlete and a better person because of her.

"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."

Speaking at the FIA press conference, Toto Wolff said it was Hamilton's decision to end the partnership with Cullen, though he didn't say why.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by kenji, 19/03/2023 15:11

"@R1Racing71...Ah, now the issue becomes clearer. Hamilton is on an economy drive and what he saves from having to pay Cullen he will use to buy some of the parts that he knows will make the car go faster and it won't come out of Wolff's budget cap. Brilliant."

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2. Posted by @R1Racing71, 18/03/2023 20:03

"It’s a fair assumption that Angela was on Lewis’ payroll as part of his inner (trusted) circle."

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3. Posted by jcr, 18/03/2023 19:35

"He aint winning so someones head had to roll, Whose clothes will He borrow now ??"

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4. Posted by Rock Doc, 18/03/2023 14:45

"That's got to be a big change for Hamilton at the beginning of a challenging season. Won't be easy to get a replacement up and running quickly.

It will be interesting to see if there is a hit to his performance. Such a close relationship for so long is bound to leave a scar. Not rally a good time with the team under pressure and tit for tat words going around.
"

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5. Posted by pap_pap_c, 18/03/2023 12:48

"@ elsiebc - In case you haven't noticed, Lewis is a black man and Angela is a white woman (and maybe the only female physio on the grid?)."

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6. Posted by kenji, 18/03/2023 12:15

"@ R1Racing71....likewise. Maybe Ang was outed as being a secret operator on the payroll of the PIA, [ Paddock Intelligence Agency ] a shadowy group of unscrupulous individuals operating behind the scenes where 'data' is passed around for relatively modest sums to individuals with connections to Pakistani/Indian gambling interests. Insider information as to what was happening within Mercedes was relatively easy for her to obtain due to her presence, never being away from Hamilton's side at any given time, 23/7. Max Noble will no doubt be right onto this one and I am looking forward to his, no doubt, cryptic expose. LOL"

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7. Posted by kenji, 18/03/2023 11:07

"Just curious but was she on the Mercedes payroll or did Hamilton fund her salary?"

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8. Posted by @R1Racing71, 18/03/2023 8:44

"Oh to have the back story behind this one."

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9. Posted by BillH, 17/03/2023 22:31

"It will take a bit of getting used to not seeing Angela Cullen in those TV shots as her reactions are quite well captured.
Clearly Cullen is very good at what she does so will no doubt be snapped up by another sports person should she wish to stay on that path.
All the best to her."

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10. Posted by elsiebc, 17/03/2023 19:53

"Well now he can finally put his money where his mouth is and hire someone of diversity. "

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11. Posted by Chester, 17/03/2023 19:11

"Good luck to you, Angela!! "

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Hamilton parts company with his performance coach Cullen

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