Lewis Hamilton loses long time ally ahead of Saudi Arabia Grand Prix weekend

Lewis Hamilton has been given a new blow to his Formula One season, after losing his close ally and coach Angela Cullen.

The first weekend of the F1 season did no go according to plan for Hamilton, George Russell and the Mercedes team, as they found themselves well off the pace.

The two drivers were over 50 seconds off race winner Max Verstappen, with fears that Red Bull could end up going the entire campaign winning every race.

Helmut Marko claimed that wouldn't be the case, and that their advantage would 'melt away,' but even if that happens, it won't be Mercedes who benefit.

The former constructors' champions had an emergency meeting after their performance in Bahrain, and the team are already planning some big changes to the car.

Russell sounded somewhat positive when opening up on what happened in the meeting, revealing they discussed how they got themselves into the position, and what would come next.

However, Hamilton has suffered a personal blow, with physiotherapist Cullen, who has been with him at races for seven years, leaving his side ahead of the weekend's race in Saudi Arabia.

The seven time world champion took to social media to announce the news, saying, "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."

As well as being his physiotherapist, Cullen served as his assistant and trainer and had a close relationship with the driver, being his closest ally in the paddock.

She was perhaps most prominent in the aftermath of the controversy at the end of 2021, as Verstappen beat Hamilton to the drivers' title in the last lap of the race.

There were fears the British driver would be retiring following that defeat, but he announced his 'comeback' whilst out running with Cullen, as he tried to get ready for 2022.

Despite losing his close confidant, and starting this year so badly, the 38-year-old still believes he will become the most successful driver ever, and win an eighth world title.