Hamilton reveals new support team following Cullen exit

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Lewis Hamilton has detailed his new support crew that is now surrounding him during the F1 season in the wake of the departure of long-standing physio Angela Cullen.

Earlier this season, Hamilton unexpectedly announced that Cullen and himself had put an end to their seven-year working relationship.

The seven-time F1 world champion suggested that the 48-year-old married mom of two was moving on "to pursue her dreams", while Toto Wolff suggested that it was Hamilton who had initiated the split, with the Briton "looking for a change for a while" according to the Mercedes boss.

Cullen's role, divided between her physio and personal assistant duties, is now shared by two individuals according to Hamilton.

"I have a slightly different setup," the Briton explained at the F1 Miami Grand Prix.

"[Cullen’s] role is shared between two individuals.

"The setup I have, right now, is great. One of the guys, Stevo [Stephen Lord] has been with me since my first race at McLaren.

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"He also came here when I moved from McLaren to here as my gearbox technician. And then he's moved on to several different roles and he's helping me right now.

"Otherwise I'm working with someone on my training, Kylie," Hamilton added. "I have Santi here as well, I have Penni. I have a great support structure."

"Penni" refers to Canadian media talent manager Penni Thow who works for Hamilton's Project 44 company and helps the Briton manage his non-Formula 1 ventures.

"The rest of my team is the same," he said. "Ange and I were talking just the other day. We stay in contact consistently.

"We are always going to be in each other's lives, always looking forward to the next fun adventure, whether it be skydiving, whether it be climbing Mount Everest together at some stage, probably - who knows. And just continuing to support each other’s journeys."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.