What does it take to prepare a Formula 1 world champion to perform at the very highest level?

In this episode of Performance People, Georgie Ainslie sits down with elite performance coach and physio Bradley Scanes, whose work in Formula 1 included training and supporting Max Verstappen through the relentless physical, mental and logistical demands of the sport. Bradley explains what an F1 driver’s off-season really looks like, from structured downtime after Abu Dhabi to the intense six-to-seven-week pre-season block where every detail counts. He breaks down the extraordinary fitness demands of driving at the top level, from neck strength and reaction speed to cardio conditioning, heat tolerance, recovery, hydration and jet lag management. He also shares what his role on race weekends actually involved: not just physical preparation, but creating the calm, focused environment that allows a driver to perform when the pressure is greatest.

The conversation then shifts from the world of Formula 1 to a challenge many listeners will relate to far more directly: marathon running. Bradley explains why running can be such an effective and accessible form of exercise, why many fears around damage to the knees are overstated, and what really causes most running injuries. He talks through what it takes to break the four-hour marathon barrier, why consistency matters more than anything clever or complicated, and why amateurs should think in terms of months of sensible build-up rather than quick-fix plans. The discussion also explores the mental side of endurance training, the reality of hitting the wall, and the importance of trust between coach and athlete, whether you’re preparing for a Grand Prix or your first marathon.

From world-class basics to world championship standards, this is a fascinating conversation about performance, recovery, preparation and doing the work that most people never see.

00:00 Intro

00:16 Inside Max Verstappen’s world with performance coach Bradley Scanes

00:35 What Formula 1 can teach us about elite preparation

01:04 The off-season: how Max Verstappen resets after a campaign

03:47 The brutal physical training demands of Formula 1

07:01 How drivers train reaction speed, focus and decision-making

09:39 Why championships are built in pre-season

12:02 Bradley Scanes on supporting Max Verstappen on race weekends

14:09 The sleep, jet lag and recovery battle in Formula 1

17:40 Why marathon running is more achievable than most people think

20:23 The truth about breaking the 4-hour marathon barrier

26:36 Why trust is the secret ingredient in elite coaching

28:11 Outro

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The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

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