Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has suggested that it was Lewis Hamilton who opted to part ways with long-standing physio Angela Cullen.
The pair announced their split out of the blue on Friday in Jeddah, with each paying a heartfelt tribute to the other which implied that the separation was amicable.
The news nevertheless came as a surprise given Cullen's seven-year established presence alongside the seven-time world champion.
Hamilton's post on social media dedicated to Cullen hinted at the 48-year-old Kiwi leaving to "pursue her dreams", but Wolff suggested that it was the Briton who had initiated the split.
"It was no surprise to us because Hamilton had been looking for change for a while," the Mercedes boss told Sky Sports.
Wolff later paid a tribute of his own to Cullen's work and "mascot" status with the Mercedes team.
"Angela was part of the gang for a long time," Wolff commented.
"I think in every team, whether that is his close circle, or also in the wider group, this is not a static situation that you can freeze, because we all develop as people, we develop as an organisation and if things don't work out anymore, then we need to be honest about it and then bring change.
"Angela will always be a mascot of the team. She's the only one who has a louder voice than a starting car.
"But, you know, if this is what he decides, we will always absolutely support him, whatever direction he wants to take."
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