The world of Formula 1 was shaken by a bomb news that emerged just five minutes ago, at 06:45 pm +07 on Friday 18 July 2025: Angela Cullen, trusted physiotherapist and longtime collaborator of Lewis Hamilton, officially left the Ferrari team following a dispute with the seven times world champion. The sudden announcement took fans and professionals by surprise, throwing a shadow of uncertainty about the internal harmony of the Italian team, who is preparing the 2025 season with Hamilton behind the wheel after his transition from Mercedes. The break between Cullen and Hamilton, an inseparable duo for over a decade, seems to mark the end of an era and has already triggered a wave of speculation on what has led to this drastic decision.
Cullen, who has accompanied Hamilton since 2016, was a central figure in the British team, contributing to his physical and mental well -being during some of his most memorable victories, including the 2020 title. His arrival in Ferrari together with Hamilton, announced last year, was seen as a signal of the pilot’s will to maintain continuity in his routine also in the new environment. However, according to sources close to the team, the tensions would have emerged in recent weeks, culminating in a heated comparison during a training session in Maranello. The dispute is said to have concerned differences in approach to physical preparation, with Cullen who would have suggested a more conservative regime, while Hamilton would have insisted on a greater intensity to adapt to the new machine.
The impact of this separation is significant. Cullen was not only a physiotherapist, but a confidant for Hamilton, often seen by his side in key moments, from pre-gara briefing to post-vittoria celebrations. His departure leaves a void that Ferrari will have to fill quickly, especially considering that the team is facing a crucial transition with the arrival of Hamilton and the pressure of competing against Red Bull and McLaren in the 2025 season. The fans have expressed concern on social media, with comments such as “Without Angela, Lewis will not be the same” and “What is happening in Ferrari?”. The news, still without an official press release by the stable or Hamilton, has fueled theories on a possible discontent of the pilot, despite his recent optimistic declarations on the new adventure.
The internal dynamics in Ferrari seem to have suffered a serious blow. Anonymous sources suggest that the controversy could also be linked to an alleged interference of other team members, who would have tried to reduce Cullen’s influence on Hamilton’s decisions. This led to a deterioration of trust, pushing Cullen to make the drastic decision to resign. Hamilton, who has always praised Cullen support, has not yet publicly commented, but his absence from a Ferrari promotional event scheduled for today has fueled further speculations. Some hypothesize that the pilot is evaluating its options, even if a return to Mercedes seems unlikely to this point of the season.
The timing of the news adds a further layer of complexity. With the Hungary Grand Prix less than two weeks later, Ferrari will have to act quickly to find a substitute for Cullen and stabilize the environment. Team Principal Fred Vasseur has convened an emergency meeting to manage the situation, while the Italian media wonders if this episode can affect Hamilton’s performances, which is still adapting to the SF-25. Cullen’s loss could also have a psychological impact, considering his role in keeping Hamilton concentrated under pressure, a crucial aspect after years of rivalry with Max Verstappen.
Formula 1 fans are divided. Some see Cullen’s departure as a signal of instability in Maranello, with X posts that recite “Ferrari is imploding even before starting”. Others defend Hamilton, suggesting that the controversy may have been exaggerated by the media. Meanwhile, Cullen’s career, which could now explore new opportunities, remains a question mark. There is talk of a possible return to the world of motorsport in a different or even a transition to another sport, but nothing is confirmed.
For now, Ferrari and Hamilton face this crisis maturity. The team has released a short statement, promising further details in the next few hours, while attention moves to how the team will manage this transition. Cullen’s departure marks an unexpected chapter in the history of Hamilton with Ferrari, and the world of F1 waits with the breath suspended to find out if this controversy will damage the team’s ambitions or if, on the contrary, it will push Hamilton to demonstrate his value on the track. The truth behind this clash remains shrouded in mystery, but the impact is already palpable.
