Lewis Hamilton broke hearts around the world when news of him parting ways with Angela Cullen made the headlines. The loyal blonde was always spotted beside the champion, either riding her scooter or carrying his stuff. The two shared an iconic friendship, one adored by fans all over.
However, four years before hiring Cullen as his trainer, Hamilton availed the services of Antii Veirula. The Finn accompanied Hamilton during his McLaren days, before parting ways at the end of the 2012 season. Vierula now works with Valtteri Bottas but reflected upon his days with the future of F1.
Unmatched work ethic with Lewis Hamilton
Working with someone as relentless as Hamilton requires the same amount of extreme dedication to be reciprocated. But the Brit makes it easy. According to Vierula, Hamilton had the ability to “get the best out of everyone.”
In conversation with Grosvenor Sport, Vierula provided insight into how the Lewis Hamilton functioned. “I liked working with Lewis. It was a joy. He’s a passionate guy on the track. I enjoyed working with him. He was brilliant in getting everything out of the car and engineers.”
The compliments pile on as Hamilton’s former trainer makes statements similar to Angela Cullen. Vierula continued, “He would work hard getting answers from engineers, giving his opinion about what he thinks is right. He had a brilliant will to improve.”
The best expects the best. But Hamilton’s ability to bring it out of whoever he works with has been something that has been reflected on all of his F1 career.
Hamilton’s special relationship with Cullen
Hamilton and Cullen shared a long and successful career together in F1. However, their relationship was so much more than that. Sharing matching ‘Loyalty’ tattoos, the duo have been the best of friends as well. From on-track success to off-track adventures, they’ve done it all.
Hamilton had revealed that she was the greatest thing to ever happen to him. “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.”
When things were good, Cullen would be the first person whose arms Hamilton would run to. And when things were bad? Nothing would change. Cullen also played a crucial role in keeping Hamilton in shape through the gruesome porpoising issues he faced in the 2022 season.
And that was the secret to their long time together. “I think it’s important in life to put positive people around you. You can’t be going around with deadweights, you can’t be going around with people who don’t inspire you to be better and lift you up when you’re down.”
Although the two have parted ways, it’s just their professional relationship that has come to an end. The Loyalty runs fresh as they remain the best of friends off the track.
