It was announced at the start of the F1 Saudi Grand Prix that Lewis Hamilton and trainer Angela Cullen would no longer work together. Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff has spoken out regarding the decision. The two, who are often seen together in the paddock, have worked together for the past seven years, with Karen first appearing alongside Hamilton at the 2016 F1 Australian Grand Prix.
The announcement was accompanied by heartfelt social media posts from both Lewis Hamilton and Angela Karen, suggesting that Karen left to “follow her dreams”. After the announcement, Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff believed the decision was Hamilton’s choice. “Hamilton has been looking for a change for some time so he was no surprise to us,” Wolff told Sky Sports. Toto Wolff elaborated at a press conference, paying tribute to ‘Mascot’ Karen and saying he would support any decision Hamilton makes to have an “honest” discussion regarding the future. “Angela has been part of the gang for a long time,” Wolff told RacingNews365.com. “I don’t think it’s a fixed situation that can be frozen in any team, whether it’s in his close circles or the wider group. If it’s going to work anymore, be honest regarding it and We need to make a difference.” “Angela will continue to be the team’s mascot, because she’s the only one who speaks louder than the cars that start. We will always fully support him in whatever direct direction he takes.”