Verstappen refutes former coach's revelation: 'It didn't feel like that'

19:16, 28 Aug

Updated: 19:48, 28 Aug

byCas van de Kleut

The former trainer and physiotherapist of Max Verstappen, Bradley Scanes, suggested that the Red Bull Racing driver intentionally tried to put pressure on Mercedes in a certain way in 2021 on the High Performance podcast. Verstappen refuted the statement in Thursday's press conference.

At the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix, Verstappen was fined 50,000 dollars for touching the rear wing of Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes. Eventually, the Dutchman's title rival was disqualified after qualifying due to a problem with his rear wing. During the sprint race, which at the time determined the starting positions for the Grand Prix, Hamilton was able to make up a lot of ground, allowing him to win the race on Sunday anyway.

According to Scanes, Verstappen's action of touching the rear wing of Hamilton's car was intentional. This would add more pressure on Mercedes, according to his former trainer and physiotherapist, while the battle for the world title was in full swing.

Max Verstappen in Zandvoort

Verstappen surprised after anecdote from former trainer about F1 in 2021

In Zandvoort, Verstappen was asked about Scanes' comments. The four-time world champion responded: “I can’t really recall that, to be honest. From my side, it didn’t feel like that. So, I can't really say anything more about it because, for me, it didn’t feel like that or it didn’t happen that way."

Scanes also discussed his emotional farewell with Verstappen. The Brit knew for months that he was going to quit before he told the Red Bull Racing driver. Eventually, he had to tell, after which both men are said to have teared up. During the final race in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen was already on his way to his car when he turned around to give Scanes a hug.