Lewis Hamilton is embarking on an exciting new chapter as he begins his first season with Ferrari, having reunited with his longtime physiotherapist Angela Cullen. After twelve successful years with Mercedes, this transition marks more than just a change of teams; it requires Hamilton to adapt to new surroundings, colleagues, and expectations.
Hamilton expressed his enthusiasm about the reunion with Cullen, who had initially left him early in 2023. "It’s always important to have a good foundation of people around you," Hamilton stated during pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. His words capture the sentiment felt by many as they navigate through significant life changes. With Cullen joining him once again, Hamilton feels he has the right support system to ease his transition.
Cullen, who spent time away from motorsport before accepting Hamilton's invitation to join him at Ferrari, acknowledged the significance of their partnership. "We’ve gone through a lot together," Hamilton added. "She took a couple of years out to spend time with her family and discover the world. Asking her to come and start this new chapter with me, and her accepting was really exciting." Their bond, rooted deeply since Cullen joined Hamilton's team back in 2016, has flourished through the years, making her return to his side feel both nostalgic and promising.
Through the intense workload leading to the season's opener on March 14-16, 2025, Hamilton's adaptation process is well underway. He has undergone several outings with the previous-spec cars before finally getting behind the wheel of the SF-25 during the pre-season tests. His time at Fiorano and Bahrain has proven invaluable, providing him with opportunities to acclimate to his new environment.
Hamilton proudly remarked on his first experience with the new Ferrari, expressing, "We’ve been having a blast. This past month together has been really awesome." Though the perception of moving from the reigning champions at Mercedes to Ferrari, one of F1's most storied teams, carries its own challenges, Hamilton seems to be embracing the undertaking wholeheartedly.
The seven-time world champion has found joy behind the wheel of the SF-25, reporting, "I’m really enjoying the car." Nevertheless, he acknowledges the challenge of adjusting to the vehicle's unique characteristics and is optimistic about the upcoming season, noting, "I think red suits me, so it’s good!" His playful comment highlights his positive attitude as he navigates this new venture.
Reflecting on the passion surrounding Ferrari, Hamilton noted, "Red is the colour of passion and love; there’s a huge amount of passion in this team and with the fanbase they have, the Tifosi." This enthusiasm resonates with everyone involved, and he appreciates how warmly he has been welcomed since stepping through the doors of Maranello.
Cullen's presence adds to the familiarity Hamilton craves during this period of transition. She is not only supportive as his physiotherapist but also plays the role of his confidante, the weight of years of experience between them acting as a stabilizing force. Hamilton is confident about this new collaboration, expressing, "I still have the team I had last year, but I wanted Angela on top of it." Her return heralds the beginning of what both see as potentially fruitful endeavors for the future.
He acknowledged the importance of dedicative effort, stating, "Everyone has their heads down, solely focused on doing the best we can, and as am I, just trying to make sure we bring our best each day." Such determination outlines Hamilton’s mindset as he prepares for the intense grind of the upcoming racing season.
While the challenges of integrating with Ferrari’s team and machinery are considerable, Hamilton’s relationship with Cullen and newfound excitement might be the perfect combination to rekindle his championship aspirations. They may have faced uncertainty over the past couple of years, but now their focus is clear, and the expectations are high as they aim to achieve greatness together.
Hamilton's enthusiasm is palpable as he prepares to take on the new season head-on. With Cullen back by his side at Ferrari, the duo seems ready to face whatever surprises and challenges come their way, putting their long-standing partnership to the test yet again. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how this exciting union plays out on the track this season.