Why it matters
The 2021 Formula 1 World Championship battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton was legendary, marked not just by on-track speed but also by a crucial psychological edge. Verstappen's former performance engineer, Bradley Scanes, reveals how the Dutchman mastered the mental game, turning Hamilton's own tactics against him. This insight highlights how mind games can be as decisive as raw pace in elite sport.
The Details
F1 is a sport of razor-thin margins, and drivers often seek any advantage, including psychological ones. Scanes noted Hamilton's post-session routine:
- Lewis would consistently take a considerable amount of time to get ready after qualifying or a race.
- He preferred to change completely, groom his hair, and put on his own clothes.
- In contrast, Max Verstappen typically changed only his racing suit or went to press conferences as he was.
The Power Play
However, as the season progressed, Verstappen began to adapt. Scanes observed a deliberate shift:
- Max started taking his time, mirroring Hamilton's approach.
- He began changing his full kit, extending his post-session routine.
- This subtle change forced Hamilton to wait for Verstappen, signaling a shift in dominance.
What's Next
Scanes described this as a "power trip thing" from Verstappen, a statement asserting that the "baton has been passed." With Verstappen ultimately securing his first World Championship title that year, this psychological victory proved to be a significant, if understated, factor. It demonstrated Verstappen's ability to not only challenge but also psychologically outmaneuver a seven-time world champion.