Olympic and Formula 1 Success
Bradley Scanes is a high-performance coach whose work has brought gold medal-winning results for Olympic athletes and played a pivotal role in enabling the stellar achievements of four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen. Over the last 14 years in elite sports, Brad’s five years with the Red Bull Racing star showcased his exceptional ability to optimize an athlete’s performance through world-class training, physiotherapy, nutrition, recovery, and sleep management.
Academic Background and Early Career
Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Sport & Exercise Science and a Master’s Degree in Physiotherapy, Brad Scanes first worked in the UK’s National Health Service. However, it was his part-time work with Chelmsford City Football Club and Southend Football Club that led to a growing career in sport.
Medical Leadership and Olympic Coaching
After becoming Head of Medical at Southend FC, he moved into private practice, working with a wide range of athletes across sports including UFC, boxing, and professional cycling. This was followed by four years with Great Britain’s Olympic Basketball team and a further four-year Olympic cycle as performance coach with Great Britain’s Gymnastics team. During this time, he worked directly with Max Whitlock to bring World Championship success and Olympic gold medal-winning performances.
Breakthrough in Formula 1
While operating his own private practice clinic and working with the UK’s Centre for Health and Human Performance, Brad’s growing network began to encompass Formula 1. In 2019, he was invited to trial as performance coach to Red Bull Racing’s Dutch star Max Verstappen.
The two quickly developed a strong relationship, beginning a five-year partnership that would see Verstappen challenge the dominance of seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton. The breakthrough came in a dramatic 2021 season, culminating in a controversial Abu Dhabi finale where Verstappen overtook Hamilton on the final lap to win his first FIA Formula 1 Drivers’ World Championship.
Further championship titles followed, establishing Verstappen as the dominant Formula 1 figure of the 2020s. Brad played a constant role in ensuring the Red Bull Racing ace sustained peak performance. His work included not only intense physical preparation and training but also fostering the winning mindset, motivation, resilience, and communication skills required to stay at the top season after season.
Expanding Beyond Formula 1
In 2024, Brad stepped away from the relentless travel demands of Formula 1 to expand his work across wider motorsport and sports categories. This includes performance coaching entire teams competing in endurance events such as the Le Mans and Daytona 24-Hour races. He retains a presence in Formula 1 and lower formulae, while also supporting Red Bull’s UK-based athletes. Additionally, he coaches Ironman World Champion Lucy Charles-Barclay, aiming for another title in 2025.
