Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has not been having the best of times on the track over the past year or so and has often cut an isolated figure in the Silver Arrows paddock.
Perhaps a big contributor to this is the exit of his personal assistant and long-term friend Angela Cullen earlier this season.
While that decision is believed to have been made by Hamilton, the seven-time world champion may well have been too hasty in pulling the plug on their association.
The Stevenage-born driver has explained how Cullen’s exit has impacted him and has also opened the door on the duo getting back together, albeit not in a professional setting.
“I miss her every day,” Hamilton said, when asked about the impact of not having Cullen oversee his movements during race weekends.
“She was a breath of fresh air for me every day.
“She was always a great help during the seven years we worked together. She was and still is a very good friend.
“In fact, we’re talking about getting together again and doing something together soon, like parachute jumping, maybe.
“We’ll never leave each other. I’m very grateful for everything she’s given me.”
Cullen was one of Hamilton’s staunchest supporters and was the first to congratulate him following his race wins or console him when things went pear-shaped.
She was also an important member in his support staff last season, when Hamilton failed to win a single race in the entire campaign for the first time in his career.
While Mercedes is still some way behind the Red Bull RB19, the team has made up some ground following its most recent upgrades and will hope to close the gap on the frontrunners further in weeks to come.
Read more: “Have not been happy for over a year”: Lewis Hamilton shares discontent amidst Mercedes turmoil