Max Verstappen will be working with personal trainer Rupert Manwaring next season after poaching him from Carlos Sainz’s entourage. The reigning world champion’s previous partner, Bradley Scanes, called time on his four-year stay with Red Bull after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
According to a report from Dutch news outlet De Telegraaf, Scanes opted to bring his work with Verstappen to a close due to personal reasons. The trainer is hoping to spend more time with his family and focus on other work, making a move away from the hectic world of F1.
Manwaring had been working with Sainz for eight seasons, first joining forces with the Spanish driver ahead of his rookie campaign with Toro Rosso back in 2015. He will now fill the vacancy left by Scanes, who helped Verstappen to win all three of his Drivers’ Championship titles.
This was not the only trainer-related news to emerge from the paddock off the back of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Michael Italiano – the performance coach for Yuki Tsunoda and formerly the trainer of Daniel Ricciardo – announced his departure from the world of F1.
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In a statement on his Instagram account, he said: “My time in F1 has come to an end. I’ve decided to accept a new challenge outside of motorsport, which I’m really looking forward to commencing early next year.”
The personal trainer also had amusing words for his most recent partner, adding: “Yuki, thanks for the laughs and for placing immense trust in me this year to guide you through your career. Besides your average rapping and dance moves, your development this year is something to be very proud of.
“I cannot wait to see what you bring in 2024 and beyond. I’m looking forward to many more smoked negronis together and celebrating further success in your career. You have a friend here to support you whatever you need.”
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Neither Sainz nor Tsunoda have revealed their new trainers ahead of the winter break, although the latter will still be celebrating an impressive P8 finish at the Abu Dhabi GP. Unfortunately, he fell just short of helping AlphaTauri surpass Williams in the battle for P7 in the Constructors’ Championship.
For Sainz, the final round of the season was a disaster. The Spaniard qualified and finished outside of the top ten at the Yas Marina Circuit as Ferrari were pipped to second place in the standings by Mercedes by a margin of just three points.
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