The idea that paddock insiders always live a glamorous life in the world of F1 has been taken for granted. But as three-time world champion Max Verstappen’s ex-trainer Bradley Scanes reveals, it’s not always about the glitz and glamor. Scanes, who is a human performance consultant by profession, explained how being Verstappen’s trainer also meant doing the ‘menial tasks’ to keep the Dutchman focused on his racing.
As reported by F1Maximaal.nl, Scanes said, “He has everything in his house, so I had to provide an environment in which that was reflected. Then you’re talking about putting together training schedules and managing possible aches and injuries.”
That being said, looking after Verstappen meant more than just conditioning his body for the rigors of modern F1 racing. “I also fed him, carried his equipment. And did his laundry,” revealed the Briton.
Talking Bull is back and you won’t want to miss it We’re sitting down with Max’s performance coach @BScanes as well as Christian Horner and looking into all things performance #F1 #Podcast
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) April 9, 2021
According to Scanes, taking these ‘menial’ tasks and worries away from Verstappen’s mind allowed the Dutchman to focus on racing. It was always more about letting Verstappen focus on what mattered the most.
Scanes joined Red Bull and Verstappen’s camp in 2020. After the conclusion to the 2023 season, where Verstappen bagged his third-consecutive world championship and broke several records, Scanes finally called quits on his time as the Red Bull driver’s trainer.
Why Bradley Scanes left Max Verstappen
Scanes, who left Verstappen and F1 in 2023 paid a heartfelt tribute to Verstappen last year. On his Instagram, Scanes wrote, “I’m going to miss you mate. We pushed, We had fun, We won. We accepted nothing less.”
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Now that he is away from the world of F1, Scanes lives a more measured and peaceful life. According to him, he does miss not being able to contribute and compete at the very pinnacle of competition. A more relaxed schedule is something he enjoys.
Getting into shape for #F1‘s longest season ️ Catch up with Christian and Max’s performance coach @BScanes in Talking Bull #Podcast
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) April 12, 2021
A graduate of the Loughborough University, Scanes is currently heading his own performance coaching brand – Elite Formula Physio & Training which he started back in 2022. With his latest endeavor, he wants to delve deeper into the human performance aspect with his firm catering to more than just athletes but also to “CEOs, and individuals from all walks of life” to reach their full potential.
After parting ways with Scanes, Verstappen was in hunt for a new performance coach, who would continue keeping him in top physical condition. He didn’t have to travel far for that. Carlos Sainz’s performance coach Rupert Manwaring left the Spaniard, and is now working with Verstappen.
