A catch-up with Brad Scanes, Max Verstappen's performance coach

Published on 22 March 2022 by Stefan Meens

When Max Verstappen is in the paddock, Brad Scanes is usually not far away. The Brit is Max’ performance coach and makes sure the Dutchman is in tip-top shape when he gets into his race car. Scanes organises Max’ training schedule, nutrition and makes sure the reigning world champ does the right warm-ups during a Grand Prix weekend.

Brad, when did you first meet Max?
“December 2019 in Barcelona. He was at a track day with his family. We all had lunch together and had a nice day. We talked about what we might like to achieve together. We immediately talked about what it would take to win a world championship. I was in the fortunate position to have just won a world championship with a gymnast. I guess I was in a unique position. However, I never followed Formula 1 or motorsport in general, so a couple of days before I met Max, I spent some time on Google trying to figure out who he and his dad were. I had to get myself up to speed on the Verstappen clan.”

How did the collaboration come to fruition?
“The decision was down to him. The main thing for me was to get along and have the same sort of mindset and the same goals. However, when I was first offered the chance to work with Max, I looked at my schedule and realised I actually didn’t have the time. I said no at first, but as luck would have it, I’m still here!”

What was it like, winning the world championship with Max?
“It’s fantastic. Not only for Max, but the team and myself. It’s a goal he set out to achieve since he was a little kid, together with his family. It was a special day.”

What’s next for you and Max?
“It’s 2022 and we are driving with number one on the car, so let’s go for back-to-back championships!”