Former Max Verstappen ally makes return to F1 with rival driver after mid-season change

's former physical therapist, Bradley Scanes, has returned to the F1 paddock with as the Argentine starlet prepares for his debut at the next weekend. Scanes worked with Verstappen for four years, playing a key role in keeping the Dutchman fit during three World Championship-winning campaigns. According to a report from De Telegraaf, his decision to leave F1 came down to a desire to spend more time with his family and focus on other work.

The Brit looked back on his time working in Verstappen's entourage extremely favourably. "For me it was beautiful - I really was part of the family," he told the Sky Sports F1 podcast. "I'd get invited to birthdays and stuff, if I was in Monaco I'd be round his or I'd go out for dinner with his manager, a beer with his Dad. I think that was probably the hardest thing about leaving, having that initial conversation with them was like a break-up, it really was. The nerves and the hesitancy before that chat was hard."

Scanes cited the Dutchman's mentality as a key factor in the success of the relationship. "He wants to win and, for me, I had a similar mentality, not as a sportsman but within my own field, which is why we got on so well," he added.

"We had a very good ability to build around each weekend, see it as a final, [and] we went out to win. Actually, 2021 was a shift we had to make in that coming second and scoring points because we needed the points."

However, Scanes is now back in the paddock, and he was pictured alongside Colapinto as the 20-year-old signed autographs following a test with Alpine at Zandvoort. He was confirmed as the replacement for Jack Doohan for the next five races after the Australian rookie crashed at the Miami Grand Prix last weekend.

The swap was a controversial one and was even protested by the Australian's father, Mick Doohan, who posted his son's results along with those of team-mate Pierre Gasly to his Instagram story, sending a clear message to the Alpine leadership.

For Colapinto, though, this is a second chance after impressing with Williams during the 2024 season. "I will work hard with the team to prepare for the next race in Imola and the upcoming triple-header, which will no doubt be intense and a big challenge for everyone," he said after the news was confirmed.

"I have stayed sharp, and I am as ready as possible with the team's race support testing programme, as well as on the simulator at Enstone. I will do my best to get up to speed quickly and give it my all to deliver the best possible results alongside Pierre."