The Honest Truth Behind Max Verstappen’s Savage Pre-Race FIFA Ritual

Max Verstappen is a champion. He won his first title with Red Bull last year in a blockbuster finale. Now, he is on course to defend his crown and win his second title in as many years. Dominating the grid the way he does requires a certain mindset. And to get into that mindset, drivers usually have a pre-race ritual. Since he is one of the top racers on the grid, let’s see if he has such a ritual.

Having demolished the rest of the circuit with his performance in Spa, Max is ever closer to his second World Title. Red Bull got the perfect result in Belgium, and will hope for the same in Max’s home race in Zandvoort. Max will be itching to win the upcoming double header and reach within the grasping length of the Formula 1 Driver’s Championship.

Meanwhile, we find out about Max Verstappen and his pre-race routine. Brad Scanes, Max’s performance coach, dismisses the rumors of Verstappen’s ‘X-Box’ pre-race superstition.

Scanes said, “Before the race or the night before, chilling in the hotel, then maybe but yeah, definitely not a track.” He further joked what would the scenario be like, if that were true. “Rather than warming up, he’s on the control pad.”

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Brad also speaks about his relationship with Max, how he got the job as Max’s performance coach, and his experience with the reigning champion.

Meet Angela Cullen of Max Verstappen – Brad Scanes

Behind every successful Formula driver, there’s a solid number 2. We’ve seen the bond between Lewis Hamilton and Angela Cullen. Max Verstappen enjoys a similar relationship with his performance coach, Brad Scanes. Speaking on a podcast, Scanes mentions his relationship with Max and how he helps the Dutchman.

He said, “One of the main things for me is what’s the weather gonna be like because we need to know what visors to put on the helmets,” 

He continues, “The best way to describe what I do on a race weekend is, I look after everything so Max just has to drive the car.”

This is Brad’s third season with the World Champion and he mentions that the reason he got chosen by Max as his coach was because they instantly “hit it off”.

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As Max Verstappen closes in on his second world title, it is fair to say that his team has played a crucial part in his success. From his boss Christian Horner, his coach Scanes, to all the mechanics in the Red Bull garage, they have played a big part in helping Verstappen win the championship last year, and are on course to win their first Constructors trophy in 9 years.