Inside Max Verstappen's mind games with Lewis Hamilton including 'power trip' tactic

Max Verstappen's former physio has given a revealing insight into the psychological warfare that took place between the Dutchman and Lewis Hamilton during their nail-biting 2021 title fight. The two drivers battled fiercely in one of the most electrifying seasons in F1 history, with the championship hanging in the balance until the very last lap of the final race.

Under contentious circumstances, Verstappen clinched his first-ever title. Bradley Scanes' role extended beyond the typical duties of a fitness coach, meticulously fine-tuning every aspect of the Red Bull ace's routine to gain an advantage over Hamilton. He shared intriguing details about some of the strategic manoeuvres employed, confessing that one high-profile incident was premeditated and providing an inside look at another behind-the-scenes tactic. In a conversation with Jake Humphrey on the High Performance Podcast, he confessed: "Absolutely [there were mind games]. Brazil was a good example where Max went behind the Mercedes rear wing and was giving it a good feel.

"That was measured - he knew he was going to get a 50k fine and no impact on track. Within the team it was discussed [beforehand]. Even if nothing happened, and I think there was a change, for the last two races they couldn't run that particular wing, which was helpful because they (Mercedes) ran away with that Brazil race, but even if nothing happened, that would've just shifted the focus, put a bit of pressure in the media on them.

"Obviously, the mind games between them, Toto [Wolff] and Christian [Horner], were always clear to see in the media. But then backstage, cool down rooms after, between Max and Lewis. Even Angela [Cullen] would kind of try and have a little go as well.

"One of the funniest things is just [the] time it would take to get ready. Top three would always go into a cool-down room after a race or after qualifying, and Lewis would always take a long time to get ready. He would want to change fully out of his kit, get his hair done, put his own clothes on.

"Whereas Max would just change his suit or just go as he is to a press conference. As it progressed, we started to change every part of the kit. And as it progressed again, you could just see Max just taking his time. We started changing the full kit [so we weren't hanging around waiting for Lewis]. Also just to fill the time as well.

"But the flip was, you could start to see Max really starting to take his time, so that then Lewis had to wait for him. It's that whole get out after half-time and stand by the..." Humphrey interjected: "Like a power trip thing?"

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To which Scanes replied: "Yeah, exactly that. Just to say, 'Actually, we're not waiting for you anymore. The baton has been passed and we're taking over from here.'"

The numerous high-profile battles between Verstappen and Hamilton during 2021, alongside the most dramatic finale to their championship fight, created a monumental shift in the sport that continues to reverberate today. Whilst the Dutchman has subsequently secured his second, third and fourth titles in the following years, the Briton has never regained his previous peak form.

Hamilton has endured a challenging beginning at Ferrari, where bosses are desperate for him to break their almost two-decade championship drought, whilst also claiming his own record-breaking eighth crown. That achievement won't materialise this season, irrespective of their performance following the summer interval at this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix.

Verstappen is also grappling with McLaren's dominance in the constructors' and drivers' standings, whether through Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris. However, both champions will be hoping that next year's regulation modifications will see them battling once more for the ultimate prize. Verstappen won't have Scanes supporting him after their 2023 split, while Hamilton has been reunited with trusted colleague Cullen at Ferrari.