Lewis Hamilton has dismissed suggestions for a falling out with his former trainer Angela Cullen, the seven-time world champion, revealing they still “text every day”.
Hamilton announced Friday of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix that he had parted ways with Cullen, who joined his team in 2016.
The New Zealander, who took on the role of performance coach, belonged to the Briton’s inner circle and only assisted him at the season opener at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
However, less than two weeks later, Hamilton’s team boss Toto Wolff announced the split, telling the Bahraini media that if things aren’t working out, it’s time for a change.
The Austrian said: “I think in any team this is not a static situation to freeze because we all evolve as people and as an organisation.
“When things stop working, we have to be honest and make a change.
“But if he decides to do that, we will always support him absolutely, no matter what direction he wants to go.”
This led to suggestions of a falling out between the two, but this was denied by Hamilton.
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“Me and Ange are good,” said the seven-time world champion, according to the Daily Mail.
“She’s going into a different phase of her life. We’re still super close and text each other every day.
“She supports me massively and I support her massively.
“I am so grateful to have had her with me on this journey. She is one of my closest friends and continues to be.”
Both had spoken full of praise for each other in their statements on social media, in which they announced the end of their partnership as driver and coach.
Hamilton said in his statement he was a “stronger athlete and a better person because of her,” while Cullen said it was an “honor and joy to stand alongside” the seven-time world champion.
The Mercedes driver will line up seventh at Sunday night’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Hamilton admits his frustration after finishing Q3 nearly four tenths off teammate George Russell.
“George did a great job,” he said. “He’s right up there in the second row. The car obviously has power.
“I don’t feel connected to this car. No matter what I do, no matter what I change, I can’t build trust in it. I’m a bit at a loss with that.”
The article Lewis Hamilton denies speculation about a rift with coach Angela Cullen after the surprise split, first appearing on Planetf1.com.
