Mercedes explain the reason for Hamilton’s split from F1 coach Cullen
Former New Zealand national team ice hockey player Cullen has worked for Hamilton as a dedicated performance coach since 2016 through the renowned Hinsta coaching organization.
However, on the Friday before the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, both Cullen and the seven-time world champion took to social media to announce their split.
There was no allusion to the reason for the breakup, nor was it specified what Cullen will do next.
Wolff has now suggested it was Hamilton who cited the split as part of an “honest” assessment, but Mercedes will support his driver in “whatever decision he chooses to make”.
The Austrian said: “Angela has been part of the gang for a long time.
“I think in any team, whether it’s narrow or broad, it’s not a static situation that you can freeze because we’re all evolving as people.
“We’re evolving as an organization and when things don’t go well, then we have to be honest and then change something.
“Angela will always be a team mascot. She’s the only one who has a louder voice than a starting car!
“But if that’s what [Hamilton] decides, we will always support him absolutely, no matter what direction he wants to go.”
Wolff: No grudges if Hamilton is looking at joining other teams
Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO, Mercedes-AMG George Russell, Mercedes-AMG Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-AMG
Photo by: Steve Etherington / Motorsport Images
Wolff would “hold no grudges” should Hamilton consider an eventual move to another team to win an eighth world title, but Mercedes are absolutely confident he will stay on in the short term.
Hamilton’s current contract expires at the end of the 2023 season after the Brit previously said agreeing a new deal would be a simple formality that would take place over the course of the winter.
But after the bumpy start to the new campaign for the W14, there is still no firm agreement.
Although Hamilton is expected to renew with Mercedes after joining the F1 team in 2013, Wolff said the driver may need to look elsewhere for more deals if the team still hasn’t escaped its current ‘valley of tears’ .
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“I don’t think Lewis will leave Mercedes,” said Wolff.
“He’s at the stage of a career where we trust each other, we’ve developed a great bond and we have no reason to doubt each other even though it’s a difficult time.
“But that’s how nice it will be when we get out of this vale of tears and get back to solid performances.
“However, as a driver he has to make sure he has the car if he wants to win another championship.
“If we can’t prove that we can give him a car in the next few years, he’ll have to look elsewhere.
“I don’t think he’s doing it at this point, but I won’t hold a grudge if that happens in a year or two.”
