Lewis Hamilton has confirmed he has parted ways with his long-time physiotherapist and paddock ally Angela Cullen.
The shock announcement took many Formula 1 fans by surprise as the pair have worked together for the last seven years.
She is regularly spotted by his side and acts as not only a physio and assistant, but as a rock for the Mercedes star.
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Hamilton, 38, announced on Friday through a social media post that he and Cullen will no longer be working together.
He posted several photos of them together along with an emotional message as he gears up for this weekend's Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.
The post reads: "For the last seven years, Angela Cullen has been by my side, pushing me to be the best version of myself. I am a stronger athlete and a better person because of her.
"So today I hope you'll join me in wishing her the very best as she takes her next steps to pursue her dreams. Thank you for everything Ang, I can't wait to see what the future has in store for you."
Cullen's day-to-day responsibilities were as a physiotherapist and assistant to Hamilton, but she means more than that to the seven-time world champion. She is one of his most trusted allies and confidants in the paddock, Mirror UK reports.
They even have matching tattoos of the word "loyalty".
Cullen also posted on social media: "Exactly seven years ago on this day I was standing in the F1 paddock for the first time at the Australian GP. Today I'm excited to share I'm off on my next adventure. I am so grateful and blessed to have had this incredible journey in F1 and I know my story will continue.
Thanks to the MB team, who have been my family for the past 7 years. And Lewis Hamilton you GOAT! It's been such an honour and pleasure to stand along side you I'm so proud of you and everything you have achieved. Thank you for supporting me, believing in me and showing me the limitless potential we all have within us.
"I am so excited to watch the next chapter for you. There's nothing you can't do. Don't stop believing... Life's journey is one big wave. Keep riding, dream big as dreams do come true. Forever by your side. STILL WE RISE."
Speaking previously about their bond, Hamilton said: "People for sure won't understand it, naturally, because they see it from a distance, but she has been one of the greatest things that's happened to me in my life. I've been fortunate to work with a lot of people... and she's the single hardest-working woman that I get to be around.
"She's focused, selfless, and she makes my weekends peaceful. Every day I wake up, whatever time it is, she's just positive – never a single day has she been negative, so that's very, very important.
"I think it's important in life to put positive people around you. You can't be going around with dead weights, you can't be going around with people who don't inspire you to be better and lift you up when you're down. You need to be around people who can do that for you, and she's one of them."
This weekend the Formula 1 paddock rolls into Jeddah for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
It's the second race of this year and Sunday's Grand Prix starts at 5pm Irish time.
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