Written by Mina Jigau, Edited by Vyas Ponnuri
Women have played an influential role throughout the history of motor racing. Many have taken to the wheels of motorsport machines, while numerous figures have worked tirelessly on the sidelines in various roles, shaping the motor racing world to the present day.
Today’s Women Spotlight Wednesday article explores one of the most well-known physiotherapists in motorsports, Angela Cullen. A familiar name, for she has been a trainer on a famous Formula One driver’s performance team.
Having grown up in New Zealand, Cullen nurtured her passion for numerous sports, from netball to cricket and swimming.
Cullen’s athleticism led to her representing New Zealand in field hockey during her teenage years. All in all, she played field hockey for seven years for the Kiwi nation.
There was nothing else she loved more than a good challenge, and this was reflected in her academics, too.
Science and sport paved the way to Cullen’s bachelor’s degree in health science and physiotherapy. Soon after graduating, she pursued her desire to travel to the UK, working in a private practice for track and field athletes.
In 2006, Cullen cycled around South America, navigating the route from Ushuaia to Columbia using only a topographical map.
She spent days searching for her own resources, cycling incredible heights and crossing the Andes over ten times. It was then when she decided to reflect upon her future.
Returning to her country of birth, New Zealand, she became a senior advisor of performance, supporting the country’s Olympic team.
In 2014, after consulting with the late Dr. Aki Hintsa on his work with Ethiopian runners, F1 and Olympic athletes, she decided to join Hintsa Performance as a coach. After Hintsa’s death in 2015, Cullen joined Hamilton’s performance team, joining forces with the Briton, a three time champion back then.
Thus began her seven-year partnership with Lewis Hamilton, ending just before the 2023 season.
Cullen was one of the few people who understood the concept of ‘performance’, thanks to her extensive experience in training top-level athletes.
Over the years, her loyalty to Hamilton cemented Cullen in the world of motorsports, not only as one of the first physiotherapists, but also as a prominent member of the inner circle in the Petronas paddock.
“She’s been in the field of sport for some 25 years, she’s his PA, his driver, his performance coach, his confidante, his friend,” famous F1 photographer Kym Illman stated in an interview when asked about Cullen and Hamilton’s relationship.
Throughout her career, Cullen hasn’t once missed the opportunity to express her surprise and gratitude at working in the field, alongside an outstanding team.
She has repeatedly emphasised that the focus on “wellbeing is critical to sustaining performance throughout the entire F1 season,” and has shown her dedication, being at every single race to congratulate and support Hamilton.
Since leaving his team, she has worked with Ganassi racer Marcus Armstrong in IndyCar, enjoyed her summer indulging in paragliding and other outdoor sports with her family.
Though the two have parted ways, Hamilton and Cullen will reunite at Ferrari ahead of the 2025 F1 season, with the seven-time world champion driving for the famous Italian marque this season.
Sources revealed Cullen had signed onto Hamilton’s venture Project 44 at Ferrari, and fans everywhere are excited to see Cullen back in the paddock with Hamilton for another incomparable season.
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