Angela Cullen has returned to F1 as Lewis Hamilton’s Performance Manager. No, she is not his PA. Her job is to do whatever is necessary to make Hamilton be his best, both physically and mentally. In a sport where milliseconds count, that’s where Angela comes in.
Cullen is not paid by Ferrari, which means that 100% of her focus is on Hamilton, though she will work alongside the Performance Team overseen by Ferrari Race Director Marc Hynes. Needless to say, Sir Hamilton’s $55 million USD base salary can handle her tax-deductible compensation. In other situations, performance management is paid for by the team, which could potentially not always be in the best interests of a driver.
“I want to crush everyone. I want to outsmart everyone.” (Lewis Hamilton)
At just 5’2”, Angela stands out in the paddock for a couple of reasons. #1: She is a woman in a sea of men. #2: She has aligned herself with the only Black (mixed race) F1 driver and the most accomplished (and arguably fashionable) driver on the grid.
How did she get into F1? With a multidisciplinary sports background, Cullen was working for Hintsa Performance, founded by Finland’s Dr. Aki Hintsa after more than a decade of service as McLaren’s Chief Medical Officer. When the incredibly successful Hintsa succumbed to cancer at age 58, Angela stepped in to fill his Circle of Better Life shoes with Lewis Hamilton.
Contrary to what tabloids have reported, there is no love interest at play. Angela is a 50-year-old mother with a husband and 3 children. Oh yeah, and she holds a degree in health science and physiotherapy.
Why did Angela suddenly leave Hamilton before the 2nd race (Saudi Arabia) of the Season in March 2023? That has not been made pubic, but the rumor mill says she just needed a break. Spending upwards of 280 days away from home each year cannot be an easy feat. That said, after some well-deserved time off, Cullen did go on to coach fellow New Zealander Marcus Armstrong in IndyCar in 2024 … so, who knows?
What we do know is that Hamilton has had 2 lousy years in F1 without Cullen by his side – 0 wins in 2023 and 2 wins in 2024. In my mind, that’s reason enough to bring her back into the Circle.
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