Lewis Hamilton has reunited with one of his most trusted colleagues as the seven-time world champion arrived in Maranello for his first week as a Ferrari driver.
The former Mercedes man broke the internet on Monday when the first image of him outside Enzo Ferrari's white house at Maranello dropped alongside a Ferrari F40.
Hamilton will be looking to reignite his F1 career at the Scuderia after only winning twice since 2021, both coming last year.
Ahead of his new venture, Hamilton has made the decision to reunite with someone who was by his side for four of his six world championship wins at Mercedes, in a bid to get his career at the top back on track.
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According to The Daily Mail Hamilton's most 'trusted aid', Angela Cullen, has returned by his side for his first season at Ferrari after the pair parted ways in 2023 for unknown reasons.
The 50-year-old from New Zealand was Hamilton's chief confidante and assistant and was most often seen chasing after Hamilton on his scooter around the paddock.
Hamilton once said of Cullen, who is a mother of two as 'the single hardest-working woman that I get to be around'.
"She’s focused, selfless, and makes my weekends peaceful," he added.
"Every day I wake up, whatever time it is, she’s just positive. Never a single day has she been negative. That’s very important.
"One of the best things that has happened to me in my life."
Cullen was part of Hamilton's 'bubble' during COVID-19 during a time when members of the F1 community could only see up to three people outside of the track.
Hamilton was without Cullen by his side during his first visit to Maranello on Monday, however, she is currently staying in Fiorano, which is just down the road from the Scuderia’s front gates.
Hamilton's first statement at Ferrari
During Hamilton's first day at Maranello, the 40-year-old released his first official statement via the Ferrari website.
"There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever and today, my first as a Scuderia Ferrari HP driver, is one of those days," Hamilton began.
"I’ve been lucky enough to have achieved things in my career I never thought possible, but part of me has always held on to that dream of racing in red. I couldn’t be happier to realise that dream today.
"I’m incredibly grateful to John Elkann, Benedetto Vigna, Fred Vasseur, and everyone at Ferrari for their trust in me and making me part of this family."
He added: "I’m so excited to start this new era and to meet and work with a hugely talented and inspiring group of people. I’m dedicated to bringing everything I have to deliver for the team, the wider organisation, and the fans.
"Today we start a new chapter in the history of this iconic team, and I can’t wait to see what story we will write together."
Topics: Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Mercedes
Tom Jenkins