MAX VERSTAPPENS COACH DOES HIS WASHING

Welcome back to the PITSTOP PODCAST! It's Episode 49, and it is officially the Formula 1 Summer Break! We'll be hosting a load of guests every week throughout August, and we're kicking it off strong with Max Verstappen's Performance Coach; Brad Scanes! It was great to sit down with Brad and talk about his job and what it's like working alongside the World Champion. We hope you enjoy listening to Brad's stories as much as we did! Join us every Monday & Thursday for Q&As, guests, race predictions, and a whole load of laughter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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**Navigating the F1 World with Max Verstappen's Performance Coach: Brad Skainz**

**Introduction:**

The Pit Stop Podcast welcomes Brad Skainz, the performance coach of the reigning Formula One World Champion, Max Verstappen. Brad shares his unique perspective on the world of F1, his role in Max's success, and the challenges and rewards of working with one of the most talented drivers in the sport.

**Key Insights:**

1. **Brad's Journey to F1:**

- Brad began his career as a physiotherapist, working with Team GB gymnasts before transitioning to Formula One with Max Verstappen.
- The opportunity arose through his connections in the F1 circuit, and he impressed Max and his family during their initial meeting.
- Brad emphasizes the importance of building a strong relationship with the driver, as they spend a significant amount of time together traveling, training, and competing.

2. **The Role of a Performance Coach:**

- Brad's primary responsibility is to ensure that Max is physically and mentally prepared for each race.
- This involves managing Max's training program, nutrition, hydration, and overall well-being.
- Brad also serves as Max's confidant and provides emotional support during challenging times.

3. **The Importance of Mental Strength:**

- Brad highlights the mental demands of Formula One, emphasizing the need for drivers to be resilient and focused under immense pressure.
- He describes Max as a driver who thrives under pressure and is able to maintain a positive mindset even in difficult situations.

4. **Unique Challenges of F1:**

- Brad discusses the logistical challenges of Formula One, with races taking place in 22 different countries and requiring extensive travel and setup.
- He also mentions the intense media scrutiny that drivers face, which can be mentally taxing.

5. **The Relationship with Max Verstappen:**

- Brad and Max have developed a strong friendship and mutual respect over the years.
- Brad emphasizes the importance of having clear boundaries and knowing when to switch between professional and personal interactions.
- They share a passion for football and often engage in friendly matches and FIFA gaming sessions.

6. **Pre-Race Routine:**

- Brad provides a detailed account of Max's pre-race routine, which includes warmup exercises, nutrition planning, and mental preparation.
- He highlights the importance of warming up the entire body, including the neck, which experiences significant G-forces during races.

7. **Managing Emotions:**

- Brad acknowledges the emotional rollercoaster that drivers experience, especially after disappointing qualifying sessions.
- He explains that his role involves keeping Max away from the media and allowing him to process his emotions privately.
- Brad emphasizes the need for drivers to be resilient and bounce back from setbacks.

8. **The Impact of Diet:**

- Brad stresses the significance of maintaining a strict diet to optimize performance.
- He explains that even a slight weight gain can affect a driver's lap times due to the weight regulations in Formula One.

**Conclusion:**

Brad Skainz offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Formula One and the crucial role that performance coaches play in the success of drivers like Max Verstappen. He highlights the importance of physical and mental preparation, emotional support, and a strong driver-coach relationship. Brad's insights provide a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of working in the high-stakes environment of Formula One. # Formula One: Behind the Scenes with Brad Hartmann

## Introduction:
- Brad Hartmann, Red Bull Racing's Head of Performance, joins the Pit Stop Podcast for an insightful conversation.
- Hartmann discusses his role in ensuring Max Verstappen's peak performance, the dynamics within the Formula One paddock, and the upcoming races.

## Insights into Brad Hartmann's Role:
- Hartmann emphasizes the importance of dual qualifications for performance coaches in Formula One.
- He highlights the need for adaptability and the ability to cover all aspects of a driver's training and well-being.
- Hartmann shares his diverse background in professional sports, including football, basketball, and work with Team GB.

## The Formula One Paddock and Its Atmosphere:
- Hartmann describes the paddock as a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other.
- He mentions the exclusivity of Red Bull's motorhome and the challenges of gaining access to it.
- The atmosphere at the Dutch Grand Prix is described as electrifying, with an intense rivalry between Red Bull and Mercedes.

## The Demands of Formula One and Work-Life Balance:
- Hartmann acknowledges the demanding nature of Formula One, with extensive travel and missed personal events.
- He expresses his desire to continue in Formula One for a few more years but remains open to exploring other opportunities in the future.
- The challenges of maintaining a work-life balance while working in Formula One are discussed.

## Red Bull's Chances in the 2023 Season:
- Hartmann expresses cautious optimism about Red Bull's chances of retaining the championship.
- He emphasizes the unpredictable nature of Formula One and the potential for other teams to catch up.
- The importance of consistency and minimizing errors is highlighted as crucial factors in determining the outcome of the season.

## Hartmann's New Venture: The PhysioBrad App:
- Hartmann introduces his new app, PhysioBrad, which offers online physiotherapy and coaching services.
- He explains his decision to move his clinic online due to the challenges of juggling travel, family, and in-person appointments.
- Hartmann expresses his enthusiasm for helping individuals achieve their fitness goals through his app.

## Conclusion:
- The Pit Stop Podcast expresses gratitude to Brad Hartmann for sharing his insights and experiences.
- Hartmann extends his appreciation to the podcast hosts and looks forward to future interactions.