Max Verstappen’s Heart-Wrenching Split with Trainer: Emotional Revelations Unveiled!
In an explosive revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, former trainer Bradley Scanes has opened up about the deeply emotional split from Max Verstappen after an incredible four-year partnership. Their collaboration, which spanned from 2020 to 2023, was marked by triumph, with Verstappen clinching three out of his four world championship titles under Scanes’ guidance. However, the end of their working relationship has proven to be just as significant as their shared successes.
In a candid interview on the High Performance podcast, Scanes recounted the painstaking process of delivering the news to Verstappen, a moment that was fraught with tension and sentiment. “It took me ages to tell him,” Scanes admitted, revealing that he had first contemplated the split during the summer break, a time when both were fiercely battling for the championship. “I decided in the summer break that I’ve got to do this,” he explained, admitting that even after the championship victory in Qatar, he hesitated to break the news.
The tension reached its peak during a training session in Monaco, just days before a crucial race weekend. “I prepared to tell him on the Tuesday, then the Wednesday, then the Thursday. Then on Friday, just before my flight, I finally said, ‘mate I’ve got something I need to tell you,’” Scanes recalled. The atmosphere shifted dramatically as Verstappen sensed the impending news, leading to what Scanes described as one of the few times he had seen the Dutch driver truly upset. “It was nice and not so nice at the same time,” he reflected.
The duo explored the possibility of continuing their partnership but quickly realized that they were too invested in their respective paths to make it work. “We just decided to have a good end to the year and stay friends, which we still are. It was hard; it was definitely like a breakup,” Scanes described, hinting at the emotional weight of their decision. When pressed about whether there were tears involved, he confirmed, “Yeah for sure… like the welling up!”
As Verstappen navigates this tumultuous period, questions loom over his future with Red Bull Racing. Despite his triumphant 2024 season where he secured the championship without Scanes, the Dutch driver has faced a notable decline in performance, winning only two out of the last 14 races. His struggles continued into the 2025 season, where he again managed only two victories in the first 14 events. This alarming trend has sparked speculation regarding his long-term commitment to Red Bull, especially with rival teams like Mercedes reportedly interested in his services.
However, Verstappen has quashed rumors of a move, confirming at the Hungarian Grand Prix that he will remain with Red Bull for the 2026 season. Yet, the future beyond that remains uncertain, with many insiders suggesting he may use 2026 to assess which team can best adapt to the new regulations before potentially making a switch.
Meanwhile, Scanes has charted a new course for himself as a performance coach and physiotherapist within Red Bull, while also serving as a human performance consultant for Honda Racing Corporation, although he is no longer directly involved in Verstappen’s training regimen.
In a sport defined by its high stakes and fierce rivalries, the emotional fallout from Verstappen and Scanes’ split serves as a poignant reminder of the personal stakes behind the glitz and glamour of Formula 1 racing. As the 2026 season approaches, fans and insiders alike will be watching closely—both for Verstappen’s performance and the dynamics of his newly redefined professional journey.